Thomas Cook (India) and SOTC Travel have announced a strategic partnership with Booking.com to offer enhanced accommodation solutions for Indian corporate clients. This collaboration integrates Booking.com’s inventory of over 31 million listings into the corporate booking tools, focusing on price transparency, corporate controls, and specialized Indian servicing. The goal is to provide business travelers with consumer-level breadth within a compliant framework.
Thomas Cook and SOTC Partner with Booking.com
Thomas Cook (India) Limited and its group company SOTC Travel have formed a key strategic partnership with Booking.com, one of the world’s leading digital travel platforms. The objective is to deliver comprehensive and enhanced accommodation solutions specifically tailored for Indian corporates, merging consumer-level breadth with necessary corporate controls and transparent pricing.
Unparalleled Inventory Access
The integration makes Booking.com’s accommodation content live on Thomas Cook India and SOTC’s corporate booking tool. Business clients now have immediate access to a vast network of over 31 million reported listings spanning 220+ countries and territories, including extensive coverage within India. This access supports seamless integration into enterprise travel approval systems, offering access to enterprise-specific rates and loyalty benefits.
Key Features for Business Travel
The new offering directly addresses procurement needs by focusing on compliance, choice, and service. Key features highlighted include:
- Price transparency at scale: Ensuring property-issued invoices are provided to finance teams, thereby eliminating hidden markups.
- Segment-wise curation: Tailored content sets designed for SMEs, mid-market, and large enterprises, covering Indian metros and fast-growing Tier 2 and 3 cities.
- Content depth and coverage: Practical reach across 2,500+ Indian cities and towns, supplemented by Booking.com’s global selection.
- Business-friendly stays: Access to properties verified for traveler reviews and essential business amenities.
- Integrated policy control: Management of budgets, approvals, and credit limits for a seamless desktop and mobile experience.
Executive Commentary
Indiver Rastogi, President & Group Head, Global Business Travel, Thomas Cook (India) and SOTC Travel, emphasized that the partnership is redefining accommodation access by expanding global choice while enhancing the compliance and servicing framework required by enterprises. He noted that the roadmap includes rate activation and long-stay solutions.
Mark van der Linden, VP Partnerships at Booking.com, stated that this is a strategic step in making Booking.com’s extensive global inventory ‘enterprise-ready’ for the Indian market, prioritizing transparency and localized services.
About the Companies
Thomas Cook (India) Limited (TCIL), set up in 1881, operates as a leading omnichannel travel company across services including Foreign Exchange, Corporate Travel, MICE, and Leisure Travel. The Thomas Cook India Group spans 28 countries across 5 continents.
Booking.com is part of Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG). Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited is the promoter of TCIL, holding 63.83% of its paid-up capital.
Source: BSE
