In order to expand further into the burgeoning Indian market, the Korea Tourism Organisation (KTO) has signed two significant Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to enhance Korea’s visibility and appeal among Indian travellers.
In a press statement, KTO says that it has signed MoUs with Indian multinational online travel agency (OTA) EaseMyTrip as well as with travel agency Thomas Cook India and its group company, SOTC Travel.
KTO says that the MoU with EaseMyTrip will help strengthen Korea’s positioning as a key destination for Indian travellers. The partnership will leverage EaseMyTrip’s digital reach, travel expertise and consumer insights to drive interest and facilitate seamless travel experiences to Korea.
Co-branded initiatives with EaseMyTrip
Under this collaboration, EaseMyTrip will create a dedicated Korea microsite offering curated itineraries, essential travel information, and recommendations tailored to Indian travellers. The signing ceremony took place on February 19, 2025, in the presence of senior representatives from both organisations.
KTO says the partnership also includes co-branded marketing initiatives, digital campaigns, and content collaborations to showcase Korea’s vibrant cultural heritage, modern cityscapes, and diverse tourism experiences.
“India is a rapidly growing outbound travel market, and Korea is well-positioned to offer Indian travellers a unique and enriching experience. This partnership with EaseMyTrip aligns with our commitment to enhancing Korea’s accessibility and visibility in India. Through focused marketing efforts and tailored travel experiences, we look forward to inspiring more Indian tourists to explore Korea,” says Mr. Myong Kil Yun, Regional Director—India & SAARC Countries, Korea Tourism Organisation.
“Korea is a potpourri of history, vibrant city life, and breathtaking landscapes, making it a highly desirable destination for Indian travellers. Our partnership with Korea Tourism Organisation will allow us to bring exclusive travel opportunities to Indian tourists while ensuring seamless booking experiences and customised itineraries. We look forward to making Korea a top choice for Indian outbound travel,” says Mr. Rikant Pittie, CEO and Co-Founder of EaseMyTrip.
KTO says that the partnership will also focus on expanding awareness of Korea’s tourism offerings beyond metro cities, reaching travellers in Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets across India. Through data-driven insights and marketing initiatives, both organisations aim to enhance engagement and position Korea as a preferred international travel destination for Indian tourists.
2-year partnership with Thomas Cook (India) & SOTC Travel
In addition to this, KTO has entered into a strategic 24-month partnership with Thomas Cook (India) Limited and SOTC Travel, which, it says, is set to drive awareness and visibility for Korea as a preferred travel destination for Indian tourists.
The agreement was formalised through a MoU signed by Mr. Rajeev Kale, President and Country Head, Holidays, MICE, Visa—Thomas Cook (India) Limited; Mr. SD Nandakumar, President and Country Head – Holidays and Corporate Tours – SOTC Travel; and Mr. Myong Kil Yun, Regional Director – India and SAARC Countries, Korea Tourism Organisation.
Under this exclusive partnership, KTO will work closely with Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel to develop innovative and tailor-made travel experiences for Indian travellers.
KTO says that the focus will be on special projects designed to highlight Korea’s diverse offerings, including its cultural richness, luxury experiences, wellness tourism, and culinary delights.
Through joint initiatives, the partnership will cater to multiple travel segments, including leisure, business, and MICE tourism, ensuring that Korea is positioned as a compelling international destination for Indian outbound travellers.
“This strategic collaboration with Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel marks a significant milestone in our efforts to strengthen Korea’s presence in the Indian market. India is witnessing a growing demand for culturally immersive and experiential travel, and Korea offers a diverse range of attractions that cater to these evolving preferences,” says Mr. Myong Kil Yun, Regional Director—India and SAARC Countries, Korea Tourism Organisation.
“By leveraging the expertise and extensive reach of our partners, we aim to enhance Korea’s visibility and accessibility for Indian travellers. Through curated travel programs, innovative marketing initiatives, and joint promotional efforts, we look forward to welcoming more Indian visitors to Korea and offering them unforgettable travel experiences,” Yun adds.
“With new destinations and exciting experiential travel driving demand, South Korea is perfectly positioned to inspire the growing appetite of new-age Indian travellers. Our MoU with the Korea Tourism Organization not only endorses South Korea as a dynamic and vibrant destination but also opens new avenues for enriching travel experiences. We aim to foster long-term growth across our viable leisure, business, and MICE segments,” says Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head, Holidays, MICE, Visa – Thomas Cook (India) Limited.
“Our MoU will focus on product development, destination education, and marcom to create top-of-mind visibility and drive transactions. By leveraging our expertise in the Indian market, we aim to create greater visibility for South Korea, facilitating seamless travel experiences and fostering memorable, value-driven journeys for our customers,” Kale adds.
“We are delighted to partner with Korea Tourism Organization. South Korea stands out as a destination that resonates with the evolving preferences of Indian travellers, not just from India’s metros but also regional India’s Tier 2 and 3 markets. With its blend of rich culture, cutting-edge innovation, and exciting experiences, it holds immense potential to captivate a diverse range of travellers. Our collaboration with the Korea Tourism Organization signifies our shared commitment to enhancing travel experiences for Indian visitors. This partnership is an opportunity to curate distinctive travel products and elevate destination awareness, leveraging joint initiatives that connect with the needs of the Indian market. Together, we aim to elevate the appeal of South Korea and create sustainable growth across leisure, business, and MICE sectors,” says Mr. SD Nandakumar, President and Country Head—Holidays and Corporate Tours—SOTC Travel.
KTO says that this long-term partnership underscores its commitment to expanding Korea’s footprint in the Indian travel market. Through focused marketing campaigns, destination awareness programmes, and customised travel solutions, the collaboration will work towards positioning Korea as a preferred travel destination for Indian tourists across different traveller segments.
