Thomas Cook (India) Limited and its group company, SOTC Travel, have announced a strategic partnership with Sabah Tourism Board. This collaboration aims to promote Sabah, a region known for its rich biodiversity and adventure tourism, as a premier destination for Indian travelers.
The partnership was formalized with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on January 31, 2025, at the Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) in Mumbai. The MOU was signed by Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head at Thomas Cook (India) Limited, and Julinus Jeffery Jimit, CEO of Sabah Tourism Board, in the presence of Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Director General of Tourism Malaysia.
Sabah, home to Southeast Asia’s highest peak, Mount Kinabalu, and globally recognized UNESCO Geoparks, boasts an array of attractions for nature and adventure enthusiasts. From the world-renowned diving site of Sipadan Island to white-water rafting and ziplining experiences, Sabah offers a blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration. The region is also home to rare wildlife such as the endangered Bornean orangutan, proboscis monkey, and Borneo pygmy elephant.
This collaboration will focus on increasing Sabah’s visibility across India’s metro, mini-metro, and Tier 2 and 3 cities through destination knowledge programs, curated content, training initiatives, familiarization trips, and joint marketing campaigns.
Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating, “We are honored to be Sabah Tourism’s first partner for the Indian sub-continent. Sabah’s diverse offerings hold immense appeal for India’s evolving traveler segments. This initiative aligns with our commitment to introducing new and exciting destinations to Indian travelers.”
Echoing this sentiment, S.D. Nandakumar, President & Country Head – Holidays and Corporate Tours, SOTC Travel Limited, added, “Sabah’s breathtaking landscapes, adventure opportunities, and cultural richness make it a compelling choice for Indian tourists. Our goal is to highlight the state’s diverse experiences, attracting families, millennials, couples, corporate travelers, and adventure seekers.”
Julinus Jeffery Jimit, CEO of Sabah Tourism Board, emphasized the significance of the collaboration, stating, “India represents a high-potential market for us. Partnering with Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel will enable us to effectively position Sabah as a top-tier travel destination for Indian tourists. We are excited to showcase Sabah’s unparalleled cultural and natural heritage.”
