Strong demand for premium international holidays including Europe

Witnessed over 83% increase in online searches for holidays from East India

Mumbai, 04 June, 2024: SOTC Travel, one of India’s leading travel and tourism companies, today released data on East India travel trends. Interestingly, the data highlights Kolkata’s position as a key source market for SOTC travel – with demand from not only the city but also neighboring regions, powering the Company’s growth trajectory. The Company is witnessing a strong demand uptick of 21% YoY for premium destinations including Europe (Switzerland, France, Spain, Portugal, and Scandinavia), Japan and South Korea.

West Bengal/Kolkata Travel Trends

• • Increased travel intent in 2024: 21% YoY
  • Desire for multiple trips: 25% higher compared to last year
  • Higher spends: 15-20% compared to last year

• Top destinations

• Domestic: Kashmir, Ladakh, Chardham, Sikkim, Andamans, Bhutan & Sri Lanka

• International: Europe, Scandinavia, Vietnam, Bali, Singapore – Malaysia, Georgia, Japan

• New emerging: Azerbaijan & South Korea
• Strong demand for spiritual journeys and darshans – Ayodhya and Char Dham
• Unique preferences: high interest for experiential holidays, domestic cruises, safaris and biking trips
• Top customer segments: multi-generational families, millennials & Gen Z
• Top selling products: Bali Te Gurga Pujo – Bali, Osadharon Vietnam – Vietnam, Japan Ne Sarod Utsov – Japan, Asia Te Hoi Choi Songe Thailand – Singapore – Malaysia & Thailand, Bishyokor Purbo Europe – East Europe, Apurbo France O Swiss – France & Swiss Delight, Shundor Europe – Belgium – Swiss – Germany among others.

Mr. Daniel D’souza, President and Country Head – Holidays, SOTC Travel said “Kolkata continues to be one of our top source markets with an increase in demand of over 21% YoY from this region. The summer season has witnessed strong growth across both international and domestic destinations 23% vs last year.

What is interesting is that traditionally, travelers from West Bengal and East India used to spend time with their families during the Pujo season, whereas today’s travelers are clearly travelling –to celebrate the festival with their families. To cater to this growing demand we have introduced a specially designed Pujo portfolios over 35 tours across group escorted tours and customized options.”

SOTC is an Indian-grown entrepreneurial brand with a legacy of 75 years, pioneering group escorted tours in the country. The Company firmly believes that today, ‘No one understands the Indian Traveller better than SOTC’

About SOTC Travel

SOTC Travel Limited is a step-down subsidiary of Fairfax Financial Holdings held through its Indian listed subsidiary, Thomas Cook (India) Limited (TCIL). SOTC Travel is a leading omnichannel travel and tourism company active across various travel segments including Leisure Travel, Incentive Travel and Business Travel. 

Established in 1949, SOTC is an Indian-grown brand with a legacy of nearly 75 years. Since then, it has escorted millions of travellers across the globe to various destinations around the globe. The Company firmly believes that today, ‘No one understands the Indian Traveller better than SOTC’.

SOTC has been felicitated with Domestic Tour Operator of the Year Award at SATTE 2024, Outbound Travel Operator of the Year and Domestic Tour Operator of the Year awards at 2nd The Economic Times Travel & Tourism Annual Conclave & Awards 2023, an award for Marketing Excellence at PATA Gold Awards 2023 for ‘Kick – starting travel again & connecting diverse Indian travellers’, MICE Travel Agency of the Year – International Travel at The Economic Times MICE & Wedding Tourism Awards 2023, Best Outbound Travel Operator and Best MICE Travel Operator at The Economic Times Travel and Tourism Annual Awards 2023, Best Domestic Tour Operator of the Year Awards at SATTE 2023, Top Agents Award for 2022-23 by Singapore Airlines, honoured with the prestigious President’s Award by Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau  2023, Top MICE Contributor to Singapore Airlines and Tourism Australia 2022-23, French Ambassador’s Travel Awards 2019.

For more information, visit: 

SOTC Travel Limited: http://www.sotc.in 

Media Enquiries: 

Shrutika Singh | +91 7507444074 | shrutika@communicateindia.com