Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel have launched a new travel format—Private Van Tours—tailored for small Indian groups seeking flexible yet structured holidays. Covering short-haul destinations like Japan, Dubai, and Vietnam, these 7-day tours blend affordability with personalization, ideal for families, friends, and celebratory getaways starting from ₹38,000.
                                        
                        
	Small Wheels, Big Adventures: Van Tours Redefine Group Travel for Indian Holidaymakers
	 
	In a move that caters to India’s evolving travel preferences, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd. and its group company SOTC Travel have introduced Private Van Tours, a new format designed for small groups of 4 to 12 travellers. The initiative responds to rising demand for short-haul international holidays that offer both affordability and personalization.
	 
	Key Highlights of the Van Tours Launch:
	Tailored for Intimate Groups
	 
	Ideal for families, multi-generational units, friends, women travellers, and special occasions like birthdays or bachelor trips.
	 
	Combines the cost-efficiency of group tours with the freedom of customized itineraries.
	 
	Destinations Across Asia & Middle East
	 
	Tours span Vietnam, Japan, South Korea, Oman, Philippines, China, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Cambodia, and Laos.
	 
	Each itinerary lasts around 7 days, balancing discovery and relaxation.
	 
	Premium Comfort & Convenience
	 
	Includes English-speaking guides, four-star hotels, and private vans for seamless travel.
	 
	Designed to offer structured sightseeing with room for spontaneous exploration.
	 
	Affordable Pricing
	 
	Packages start from ₹38,000, making it accessible for middle-income travellers seeking quality experiences.
	 
	Visa-free or easy visa regimes in many destinations further simplify planning.
	 
	Year-Round Travel Appeal
	 
	With Indian consumers increasingly viewing travel as a year-round activity, the Van Tours format supports flexible scheduling and off-season exploration.
	 
	Encourages repeat travel and regional tourism growth.
	 
	Strategic Market Positioning
	 
	The launch aligns with Thomas Cook and SOTC’s strategy to diversify offerings and tap into the small-group travel boom.
	 
	It also reflects a shift toward experiential travel over traditional sightseeing.
	 
	This initiative marks a refreshing twist on group travel, offering Indian tourists a chance to explore the world in comfort, style, and close company—without the rigidity of large tour groups.
	 
	Sources: Economic Times, Travel Trends Today