Thomas Cook (India) and SOTC Travel have expanded their international rail holiday portfolio with premium train journeys across South Africa, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Egypt.
The expansion builds on the companies’ existing rail holiday offerings, including partnerships with Swiss-Euro Rail and Spain’s Renfe, amid growing demand from Indian travellers for slower and more experience-led holidays.
The companies have secured seats and cabins on selected trains, with the rail journeys packaged with accommodation, sightseeing and other destination experiences. Packages start from 450,000 rupees (US$5,100) per person, depending on the itinerary and travel period.
New offerings include Rovos Rail in South Africa, Rocky Mountaineer in Canada and The Ghan Expedition in Australia. The portfolio also features New Zealand’s Coastal Pacific and TranzAlpine services, as well as an overnight sleeper train in Egypt combined with a Nile cruise.
Rajeev Kale, president and country head – holidays, MICE, visa, Thomas Cook (India), said: “As demand for Europe continues to revive, we are seeing Indian travellers increasingly gravitate towards premium holidays that go beyond sightseeing to offer richer, more meaningful ways to explore a destination.”
SD Nandakumar, president and country head – holidays & corporate tours, SOTC Travel, added: “Today’s travellers are seeking holidays that are personalised, enriching and designed around memorable experiences. Our premium rail holidays bring together some of the world’s most iconic train journeys with destination highlights, allowing customers to experience the best of both the rail journey and the destination in one seamless itinerary.”
