Thomas Cook India and SOTC partner with Cricket Australia for Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

Thomas Cook (India) Limited and SOTC Travel have joined hands with Cricket Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. As licensed travel operators for this international cricket fixture, both companies are offering exclusive travel packages centred around the five Test matches scheduled between November 22, 2024, and January 7, 2025.  The Test series, which includes iconic matches like the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and games at the Gabba and Sydney Cricket Ground, promises to be a thrilling experience for cricket fans.

With the growing demand for this high-stakes series, Thomas Cook India and SOTC have curated unique travel experiences that combine the excitement of cricket with the opportunity to explore Australia’s top destinations.

Rajeev Kale - President & Country Head, Holidays, MICE, Visa - Thomas Cook (India) Limited said, “We've crafted an exceptional Border-Gavaskar portfolio to leverage this demand. This includes not only the 5 Test matches but also unique Australian experiences like sand boarding, sunset kayaking under the Sydney Harbor Bridge, snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef, vineyard tours, dolphin watching on the Moonshadow Cruise, stargazing, Michelin-star dining in Melbourne, and scenic drives along the Great Ocean Road and South West Edge.”

Targeting a wide range of audiences- leisure travellers, multi-generational families, couples, and corporate clients- these packages have already seen a seven-fold increase in interest compared to previous quarters. The partnership covers product development, marketing, promotions, and booking services for travel programs that include match tickets, accommodations, and other travel experiences.

S.D. Nandakumar, President and Country Head - Holidays and Corporate Tours, SOTC Travel Limited, said, "We are honoured to have Cricket Australia select SOTC Travel as a Licensed Travel Operator for the Border-Gavaskar Test series. As we celebrate 75 years of delivering exceptional travel services, this partnership underscores our commitment to delivering remarkable travel experiences by blending the thrill of cricket with the adventure of exploring Australia.”

Thomas Cook and SOTC’s holiday packages range from 4 to 10 nights, with flexible add-ons available for those seeking a more personalised experience. The tours allow travellers to not only enjoy the cricketing action but also explore Australia’s stunning landscapes, including vineyard tours, private yachting, helicopter tours, and self-drive adventures. Travellers can also experience Australia's vibrant culture, cosmopolitan cities, and great delights. In addition to these exclusive packages, customers who book any Thomas Cook or SOTC tours to Australia can add tickets to the Border-Gavaskar Test matches, making it easier for cricket fans to catch the action live while exploring the best that Australia has to offer.

Steph Underwood, Acting Managing Director, Tourism Western Australia, said, “India remains a key market for Tourism Western Australia, and we are proud to partner with Thomas Cook to enhance our engagement with travellers from India and showcase the beauty and diversity of Western Australia – the Dream State. 'Drive the Dream' with Adam Gilchrist was launched ahead of the highly anticipated West Test this November, the opening cricket series of the summer between Australia and India at Perth’s award-winning Optus Stadium.”