Data from Thomas Cook (India) Limited and its Group Company, SOTC Travel, reveals that the Indian appetite for experience-driven travel is witnessing significant growth.

The exceptional solar activity (solar maximum) occurring once every 11-15 years offers an increased chance to view the Northern Lights and has heightened interest for Aurora Borealis experiences between September 2024 – April 2025.

To maximise on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Thomas Cook and SOTC have designed a diverse range of Arctic tours, including top locales like Santa Claus Village – Rovaniemi, Saariselka-Lapland (Finland); Tromso, Kirkenes (Norway); Kiruna (Sweden) and Murmansk (Russia). Thomas Cook and SOTC’s Northern Lights tours offer awe-inspiring views of the Aurora Borealis on an exciting husky dog, reindeer and snowmobile safaris.

Additionally, authentic local experiences have been woven into the programmes: ice-floating, king crab fishing safaris; engaging and dining with the local Sami people; snowmobiling, visit to a reindeer farm, husky sledding, sea kayaking, fissure snorkelling in the fjords and whale watching.

The companies’ have incorporated exceptional local accommodation options: from Artic tree house stays, snow lodges, glass igloos, bubble stays, ice hotels to lighthouses.

In addition to a range of Northern Lights group tours (escorted by an experienced tour manager), Thomas Cook and SOTC’s experts have curated a delightful portfolio of personalized programmes – based on unique customer preferences/passions.

Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, said, “With the 2024-2025 solar maximum season offering a rare chance of witnessing spectacular northern light displays, we have launched exciting and immersive Arctic Tours to drive demand. Immersive experiences that we’ve created include Aurora Borealis safaris, eclectic accommodation in igloos, glass hotels and Arctic tree houses/lodges; and fascinating destinations to explore like Santa Claus Village – Rovaniemi, Lapland, Tromso and Kiruna.

We are encouraged by the demand that we are witnessing – and this is across segments – from Young India’s Millennials & GenZ, couples, multi-generational families to Corporate MICE.”

S.D. Nandakumar – President and Country Head – Holidays and Corporate Tours, SOTC Travel Limited, said, “Celebrating our 75th year, we are delighted to offer specially curated experiential tours that reflect our deep understanding of the Indian traveller. We have launched our Northern Lights portfolio, timed perfectly with the exceptional solar activity of September 2024 – April 2025. Our intent is to offer Indians a breath-taking experience of the ethereal Aurora Borealis, together with exciting activities like ice floating, fissure snorkelling, king crab fishing safaris and engaging with the local Sami people.

The growing Indian demand for experiential travel like the Northern Lights is driven by increasing disposable income and social media propelling the desire for braggable travel rights. What is noteworthy is that this is not limited to India’s metros but also witnessing uptick from our regional Tier 2-3 travellers.”