With domestic tourism continuing to emerge as a powerful driver of India’s travel industry, destination-focused collaborations are playing an increasingly important role in creating awareness and inspiring travel demand. In a significant step towards promoting one of India’s most diverse tourism destinations, Thomas Cook (India) Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Government of Gujarat (Gujarat Tourism) to jointly enhance the state’s visibility and appeal among Indian travellers.
The strategic partnership was formalised on January 12, 2026, during the Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2026 at Marwadi University in Rajkot. The agreement was signed by Ravindrasinh Jadeja, Officer on Special Duty, Tourism Department, Government of Gujarat, and Romil Pant, Executive Vice President & Business Head – Leisure, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, in the presence of senior government officials and dignitaries.
The collaboration brings together Gujarat Tourism’s vision for destination development with Thomas Cook India’s extensive omnichannel distribution network, destination marketing expertise, product development capabilities and deep understanding of traveller preferences. Through this partnership, both organisations aim to strengthen destination awareness, drive visitor consideration and encourage tourism growth across the state.
Beyond promotional initiatives, the MOU also focuses on structured training and knowledge-sharing programmes for Thomas Cook India’s travel experts and channel partners. By equipping frontline teams with deeper destination insights and product knowledge, the initiative seeks to create stronger destination advocacy and enable more effective conversion of travel interest into bookings.
Gujarat offers a rich and varied tourism landscape that appeals to a wide spectrum of travellers. From the iconic wildlife experiences of Gir National Park and the breathtaking white desert of the Rann of Kutch to the architectural marvel of the Statue of Unity, the state is home to a remarkable blend of heritage, culture, spirituality, nature and experiential travel opportunities. The partnership aims to showcase both its renowned attractions and its lesser-known destinations to travellers across key source markets in India.
As part of the agreement, the Government of Gujarat will also support Thomas Cook India in obtaining relevant permissions, approvals and registrations, in accordance with prevailing state policies and regulations, facilitating smoother implementation of tourism promotion initiatives.
The collaboration aligns with the growing trend of experiential and domestic travel, where travellers are increasingly seeking culturally immersive experiences, authentic local interactions and meaningful exploration within India. Gujarat’s diverse tourism offerings position it strongly to benefit from this evolving demand.
Commenting on the partnership, Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, said: “We are honoured to sign this MOU with the Government of Gujarat and partner with a State that sets a strong benchmark for growth and collaboration. This partnership is perfectly timed, as Gujarat continues to strengthen its position on India’s tourism map—anchored by iconic attractions such as Gir Forest, the Rann of Kutch and the Statue of Unity, alongside its rich cultural heritage, spiritual centres, diverse wildlife experiences and a growing portfolio of lesser-known yet compelling destinations across the State. Our intent is to drive a multi-pronged strategy spanning leisure, MICE and BLeisure travel, while leveraging Thomas Cook India’s omnichannel/ phygital clicks & bricks model and our loyal consumer base. Backed by our consumer insights, engagement platforms and on-ground expertise, my team and I look forward to working closely with Gujarat Tourism to promote the destination, stimulate visitation and contribute meaningfully to the sustained growth of tourism in the State.”
The partnership marks another important milestone in Thomas Cook India’s efforts to collaborate with tourism stakeholders and create meaningful travel opportunities for Indian consumers. By combining destination expertise, strategic marketing and extensive customer reach, the alliance aims to strengthen Gujarat’s position as a preferred destination while contributing to the continued growth of domestic tourism in India.