The venue for the exclusive yet dazzling soiree for the event was the Grand Ballroom at the brand new Marriott Sahar in Mumbai.

The occasion was not only graced by the crème de la crème of the corporate world but important dignitaries from the travel fraternity like consulates, airlines and tourism boards who support and partner the art of travel that the book talks about. The repertoire for the evening included a well-crafted Art of Celebration that took the audience through a captivating journey of the concept and creation of the book.

Madhavan Menon, Managing Director of Thomas Cook (India) Ltd, inaugurated the event with his welcome address, followed by the launch the prestigious “Art of Travel” product. 

The entertaining and renowned Roshan Abbas along with the glamorous and enchanting Kubra Sait kept everyone enticed and engaged throughout the evening.

Maya Sami, the creator of our coffee table book spoke about her creative journey and also entertained all with her most soulful and captivating singing. She was accompanied by Ms. Merlyn D’Souza, pianist par excellence and India’s leading lady Music Director and Rhys Sebatian who held the ballroom captive with his Saxophone.

The audience also got to hear from about the range and depth of offers available in Israel from David Akov - The Consul General of Israel in Mumbai and Hassan Madah - Director, India Israel Ministry of Tourism while Saeid Heidari - General Manager at JW Marriott Hotel Mumbai Sahar and Kadambini Mittal - The Regional Director Global Sales India Sub Continent - Marriott International offered insight into their respective products.

Rajeev Kale President & COO - MICE, Domestic & Sports Holidays said “Our team believes that MICE is not a commodity to sell but a creation of various splendid experiences that are bundled together with passion and dedication that results in everlasting memories. We always hope to make new ones for our guests and their associates each time they choose to travel with Thomas Cook – The masters of the Art of Travel. We strive not only to be known as the most successful but also the most admired MICE team in India.”

He added, “Israel - a hidden secret that is truly a great treat for MICE movements- is one of the handpicked destinations in the book. Also, our partnership with Marriott International goes back a long way. As a trusted global partner, Marriott understands MICE requirements and has the capacity to aggressively work towards customer delight.”

Hassan Madah - Director, India Israel Ministry of Tourism said, “Thomas Cook India, is a pioneer and leader in MICE and its expertise in the MICE domain is delightfully captured in this unique coffee table creation—The Art of Travel. We are delighted to partner with Thomas Cook to showcase our beautiful destination Israel to the Indian market”

He further added, “Israel as a fresh upcoming MICE destination offers spectacular experiences - a land steeped in history coupled with ultra-modern accommodation and MICE facilities. In addition, rich experiences pre- and post-conference tours, including visits to archaeological sites, classic Holy Land tours, spa treatments, adrenalin infused sports, desert adventures and a vibrant night life.”

Kadambini Mittal - The Regional Director Global Sales India Sub Continent - Marriott International said, “We are delighted to be the hospitality partner for Thomas Cook India for the unveiling of “The Art of Travel”. The Art of Travel covers all main aspects Marriott holds invaluable – cuisine, best hospitality and care, entertainment and pro-customer stance. Given the strong synergy between the two brands – Marriott and Thomas Cook India, our collaboration for this pioneering initiative was almost a natural fit and takes our relationship to delight customers a notch higher.”