In a strategic initiative to boost travel to Sabah (Malaysia) from the high-potential India market, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s premier omnichannel travel services provider, and its group company, SOTC Travel, have signed an agreement with Sabah Tourism Board. This strategic collaboration will ensure focus on growing Sabah’s visibility and inspiring visitation from the India market. The MOU was signed by Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head at Thomas Cook (India) Limited and Julinus Jeffery Jimit, Chief Executive Officer at Sabah Tourism Board, in the esteemed presence of Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Director General, Tourism Malaysia.
Sabah, with its multiple UNESCO Geoparks and Reserves, majestic Mount Kinabalu (S.E Asia’s highest peak) and Sipadan Island, represents not just one of the world’s top diving sites but also exciting white water rafting, ziplining and abseiling experiences. The state is famed for its diverse ecosystems, home to the endangered Bornean orangutan, the proboscis monkey and the Borneo pygmy elephant and rafflesia, the world’s largest flower. Sabah’s natural wonders and attractions make it a must-visit destination for travellers.
This multi-pronged collaboration will focus on destination knowledge, curating inspiring content, education, training and familiarization programs and joint marketing to position Sabah as a top-of-mind destination across India’s metro, mini-metro, and Tier 2 and 3 markets.
Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, said, “We are delighted to be selected by Sabah Tourism’s as their first partner for the Indian sub-continent. Our MOU signing on January 31, 2025 at OTM, Mumbai, heralds the start of what I am confident will be a vibrant and viable collaboration. Sabah is a destination known for its diversity of adventure, relaxation, cultural exploration and unique natural experiences – and holds strong appeal across India’s new-age traveller segments.
He added, “The Thomas Cook India Group has been at the forefront of introducing attractive new destinations/experiences to the India market and this initiative reiterates our innovation and leadership.” S.D. Nandakumar – President & Country Head – Holidays and Corporate Tours, SOTC Travel Limited, said,” Sabah is a beautiful destination with breathtaking landscapes, adventure opportunities and rich cultural heritage. We are thrilled to collaborate with the tourism board to introduce our Indian travellers to Sabah’s diverse experiences.
Our MOU with Sabah Tourism Board hence aims to showcase the state’s engaging and enriching experiences – to India’s families/multigenerational families, Young India’s Millennials/Gen Z, couples, ad-hoc groups of friends/colleagues and our powerful corporate MICE segment.” Julinus Jeffery Jimit, CEO, Sabah Tourism Board, said, “Our strategic collaboration with Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel marks a significant milestone in our effort to tap into the vast Indian market. With India being a high-potential growth market, this collaboration between STB, Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel will help to position Sabah, North Borneo as a must-visit destination Sabah is a rich haven of Culture, Nature, and Adventure, and we are excited to showcase these unique offerings to Indian travellers, including leisure seekers and business event groups.”
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