Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel Launch Private Van Tours Worldwide
Thomas Cook (India) Limited and its group company SOTC Travel, have introduced Van Tours — a convenient and affordable solution with in-built flexibility, ideal for India’s new age travellers.
By SOH Edit Team
Thomas Cook (India) Limited and its group company, SOTC Travel, have jointly launched Van Tours — an innovative travel offering that combines convenience, affordability, and flexibility. Designed to meet the evolving preferences of India’s new-age travellers, Van Tours provide a seamless travel experience for small groups seeking personalized exploration with professional support.
Van Tours by Thomas Cook and SOTC Travel blend the structure of a guided group tour with the freedom of independent travel. Customers can explore destinations at their own pace, supported by an English-speaking local driver-guide, ensuring both convenience and cultural enrichment. The product caters to travellers who value both comfort and autonomy, creating a balance between pre-planned itineraries and spontaneous discovery.
A New Concept in Group Travel
Designed for small intimate groups of 4-12 travellers, Thomas Cook & SOTC Travel’s Van Tours are ideal for family/multi-generational family units, adhoc groups of friends, women travellers, mini-reunions, or celebratory getaways such as birthdays, anniversaries and bachelor/bachelorette trips. Each itinerary spans an average of 7 days, offering an exciting combination of discovery and relaxation across a range of short-haul destinations, including Vietnam, Japan, South Korea, Oman, Philippines, China, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Cambodia and Laos. The Van Tours include must-see attractions, along with the comfort of premium private vehicles and four-star hotel stays with breakfast.
Pricing and Value Proposition
Van Tours are priced competitively, starting from INR 38,000 per person for 7 nights in Bali, and going up to INR 3,00,000 per person for Japan (exclusive of airfare and meals).
Each package includes:
- Premium private vans with ample space and comfort
- Unlimited bottled water and soft drinks
- Support from an English-speaking driver-guide
This combination of value, comfort, and personalisation makes outbound travel accessible and appealing for India’s growing segment of experience-driven travellers.
Leadership Insights
Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd., shared, “With Indians embracing frequent and year-round travel, our Van Tours offer a perfect solution to the growing demand for convenience, affordability, and flexibility. This unique concept of premium, chauffeur-driven vans is thoughtfully designed for smaller groups of families and friends. In addition to the set itinerary, customers can personalize their journeys — start their day later, spend more time at preferred attractions, explore local hidden gems, or extend their trip. Our selection of English-speaking driver-guides ensures reassurance and comfort throughout the journey.”
SD Nandakumar, President & Country Head – Holidays & Corporate Tours, SOTC Travel, said: “We are witnessing strong travel intent not only from metros but also from India’s tier 2 and 3 markets. Travellers today seek value — enriching experiences at attractive pricing without compromising on comfort. Our Van Tours are ideally suited for small groups of 6 to 12 travellers, offering both convenience and affordability. By focusing on visa-free or easy-visa short-haul destinations, we have enhanced accessibility and appeal for our customers.”
The Van Tours represent a strategic innovation in the leisure travel segment, bridging the gap between group travel and personalised experiences. The offering is well-positioned to capture the growing market of value-conscious, experience-driven Indian travellers seeking comfort, flexibility, and authentic exploration.