This Month we get to know Thomas Cook (India) Limited: 

What was your motivation to join ICCA?

At Thomas Cook (India) Limited, we are committed to driving excellence in the global meetings and events industry. Our motivation to join ICCA stems from our desire to collaborate with a dynamic network of international professionals, gaining  valuable industry insights, and contributing to shaping the future of association meetings. India’s growth story is known to the world, we would like to bring in our expertise at this platform, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd was an official Partner for G20. Being part of ICCA will allow us to enhance our global reach, strengthen partnerships, and deliver innovative, high-impact MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) solutions for our clients.

Tell us your story. How Thomas Cook (India) Limited started?

Thomas Cook (India) Limited has a rich legacy dating back to 1881 when it was established to cater to the travel needs of the Indian subcontinent. Over the decades, we have evolved into a leader in integrated travel services in Indian subcontinent, expanding our portfolio to include leisure travel, corporate travel, foreign exchange, MICE , value-added services and VISA services. Today, as part of the Fairfax Financial Holdings Group, we continue to innovate and redefine the travel landscape in India and beyond. Thomas Cook’s Leisure Travel offers a diverse range of international and domestic holidays, including group tours, custom and ready-to-book packages, short getaways, adventure trips, wildlife expeditions, cruises, cultural experiences, luxury vacations, spiritual retreats, and romantic honeymoons. The Corporate Travel division provides travel management solutions to multinational corporations, Indian corporate entities, homegrown businesses, and SMEs. Our MICE segment caters to leading Indian and multinational companies, dealers and distributors, offering comprehensive incentive solutions and professional event management services. Thomas Cook's Foreign Exchange business is India's largest non-bank foreign exchange provider, offering services like currency exchange, prepaid multicurrency cards (Mastercard & Visa), remittances, student services, and wholesale forex through its extensive network and partners. The omni-channel model of Thomas Cook provides "phygital" touchpoints through India's largest retail travel network comprising 660+ locations, also caters to digital-first customers through tools like AI-powered websites, CRM systems, self-booking tools, e-payment solutions, ERP systems, call centers, mobile apps, Virtual Stores, Video Chat services, and B2B platforms for partner engagement.

What sets Thomas Cook (India) Limited apart?

Our legacy, expertise, and customer-centric approach set us apart. With over 140 years of experience, we have built a strong reputation for delivering seamless, customized travel and event solutions. Our extensive global network, technology-driven solutions, and in-depth understanding of diverse markets enable us to curate exceptional experiences. Additionally, our robust foreign exchange services and strong corporate alliances further enhance our competitive edge.

What is your favorite success story from your organization?  G20 & International Solar Allianc

I believe we can be specific here and talk about G20 & Intl Solar Alliance, perhaps even the National Games

One of our most inspiring success stories in our recent past about G20, TCIL (Thomas Cook (India) Ltd) was appointed by Ministry of External Affaires, Govt of India as their Official Event Management partner to deliver meetings in all over India for G20. It was a great success story. For the year 2023 & 2024, TCIL was also responsible to deliver most prestigious meeting of International Solar Alliance assembly, this is an International treat based organization where in 120 are the member countries.

For the past 4 years, TCIL was responsible for a National Games (Organized by Govt of India) event called “Khelo India”, approximately 15000 athletes from all over India participate in it, recently we have successfully delivered Para Olypic games held in the north of India.

Our role in executing large-scale , multi-country corporate events. A notable achievement was organizing a global incentive program for a leading multinational corporation, bringing together thousands of delegates across multiple destinations. Despite complex logistics and cultural diversities, we delivered a flawless event, reinforcing our capability to manage high-impact MICE engagements.

What can we expect to see from Thomas Cook (India) Limited in the future?

The future for Thomas Cook (India) Limited is driven by commitment to innovation, digital transformation and sustainable growth. We are investing in AI-driven travel planning, sustainable event solutions, and immersive experiences leveraging virtual and augmented reality. Our goal is to redefine the MICE industry with smart technology, seamless execution and a commitment to responsible tourism.

Which trends do you see in the Association Meetings?

The association meetings landscape is evolving, with a strong emphasis on:

  • Hybrid and Virtual Events: Combining in-person and digital experiences for enhanced engagement.
  • Sustainability: Emphasis on eco-friendly venues, carbon offset programs, and responsible event planning.
  • Personalization: Leveraging AI and data analytics to create customized experiences.
  • Well-being Focus: Integrating wellness elements, such as mindfulness sessions and fitness activities, into conferences.

What is an industry challenge your organization is facing currently?

One of the key challenges we face is navigating the ever-changing global travel regulations post-pandemic. With varying restrictions, visa policies and safety protocols across countries, ensuring seamless event execution requires agility, real-time adaptability, and robust contingency planning.