Thomas Cook, SOTC launch vegetarian and Jain tours for Diwali travelers

Cuisine holds immense significance when it comes to planning holidays for Indians, especially vegetarians. Recent data from Thomas Cook (India) Limited and SOTC Travel, leading names in omnichannel travel services, reveals a notable surge in travel enthusiasm among individuals from India’s West Region, particularly Gujarat and Maharashtra, as they gear up for the upcoming Diwali festive season. This surge has resulted in a remarkable 90% year-on-year increase in demand. In response to this trend, Thomas Cook and SOTC have introduced exclusive Vegetarian and Jain Tours, designed to blend delectable cuisine with rich cultural experiences, catering specifically to customers in Gujarat and Maharashtra.

The exclusive Vegetarian and Jain Tours curated by Thomas Cook and SOTC present customers with a diverse array of domestic and international destinations to choose from, with departure options from Ahmedabad and Mumbai. This specialized portfolio offers air-inclusive, land-only, and customizable holiday packages, targeting various high-potential customer segments, including multigenerational families, honeymooners, couples, millennials, young professionals, Gen Z, seniors, and more. This initiative is particularly timely as schools close for the mid-term break, encouraging family travel.

The portfolio of Vegetarian and Jain Tours includes an enticing selection of favorite destinations. For international travel enthusiasts, there are European gems like Switzerland, Paris, Italy, and Vatican City, as well as exciting options like Turkiye, South Africa, Australia, and Egypt. Closer-to-home destinations feature popular spots like Singapore, Singapore with a cruise, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Domestic locales include picturesque destinations such as Kashmir, Himachal, Andamans, Kerala, North East India, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka.

One standout feature of these tours is the inclusion of expert Gujarati-speaking tour managers for all group tours, ensuring a seamless experience. Additionally, international tours will feature the expertise of a dedicated chef to cater to culinary preferences.

Travelers can look forward to indulging in a wide array of popular Gujarati dishes while on tour, including mouthwatering options such as Gujarati Dal, Aam Ras, Aloo Methi Nu Shak, Bhindi Masala, Gata Nu Shak, Pani Puri, Aloo Jeera, Bhakri, Gujarati Moong Khichidi, Gujarati Kadi, Papdi Chaat, Methi Na Gota, Dhudi Nu Shak, Pav Bhaji, Basundi, Jalebi, and many more.

Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, expressed, “The Gujarati community loves to travel with family and loved ones, and are known to take the festival where they go. With schools closing for mid-term breaks, our data indicates that Gujaratis across customer segments, especially families, are increasingly looking to travel during Diwali. Vegetarian food especially during travel is critical for Gujarati customers; this was the genesis of our Vegetarian and Jain Tours.”

Daniel D’souza, President & Country Head – Holidays, SOTC Travel Limited, noted, “Indians love their food, especially Gujaratis, and finding vegetarian and Jain meals while traveling may be a challenge – especially outside the Country. To cater to the unique food preferences of our Gujarati customers, our exclusive Vegetarian and Jain Tours offer customers sumptuous meals on-tour, this includes the best of local specialties in India, and international departures are accompanied by an expert chef.”

These tours aim to offer added comfort and reassurance by having expert Gujarati-speaking tour managers on hand to ensure a truly memorable holiday experience.