Scenic Tours APAC and STIC GSA Services have entered into a strategic partnership to expand Scenic Luxury River Cruises and Emerald River Cruises in India. The collaboration will focus on strengthening trade engagement, building brand awareness, and growing luxury river cruising among high-net-worth Indian travellers.
The partnership brings together Scenic Group’s luxury river cruise brands with STIC’s market expertise, trade relationships, and distribution network in India. STIC will lead sales and market development activities, working with travel advisors, tour operators, and other trade partners to identify opportunities and drive demand.
Anthony Laver, General Manager, Sales & Marketing, APAC, Scenic Group, said, “India is an important growth market for Scenic Group, and the partnership with STIC marks a significant step in our APAC strategy. STIC’s strong market presence and deep understanding of the Indian travel trade make them the perfect partners to build a solid sales base for Scenic and Emerald Cruises in India. We are pleased to be working with their experienced and professional team to secure long-term growth in the India market.”
The collaboration will also support product training and provide travel trade partners with resources to present luxury river cruising to their clients. STIC will work closely with Scenic’s APAC team to expand the two brands across key market segments in India.
Isha Goyal, Executive Director and CEO, STIC GSA Services Private Limited, said, “We are delighted to bring Scenic and Emerald to the Indian market and see significant potential for both brands. Our team will focus on building strong trade partnerships, driving awareness, and developing the business across India. With our market expertise and Scenic Group’s exceptional luxury cruise offering, we are confident this partnership will deliver strong and sustainable growth.”
Positioning river cruising
Dominic Tan, Regional Sales and Marketing Manager, APAC, Scenic Group, said, “We will be working closely with STIC to build the brands, strengthen trade engagement, and convert opportunities into new business. Our team will focus on supporting our partners with the product knowledge, tools, and marketing activities needed to grow Scenic and Emerald across India.”
Scenic Luxury River Cruises and Emerald River Cruises offer river journeys across European and Asian destinations, with land extensions also available. Scenic focuses on an all-inclusive luxury river cruise experience, while Emerald offers a premium contemporary approach, with choice and flexibility across its river journeys.
The partnership is aimed at positioning river cruising as an option for Indian travellers seeking experiential and premium holidays that combine destination discovery with comfort and convenience.
Expanding Scenic’s India presence
The India partnership forms part of Scenic Group’s broader strategy to strengthen its presence across the Asia-Pacific region, supported by its Singapore-based APAC team.
Founded in Australia in 1986, Scenic Group operates Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Emerald Cruises & Tours, and Mayflower Cruises & Tours. The group operates river and ocean cruises and handcrafted land journeys.
STIC Travel Group, founded in 1973, is an established travel services and representation company in India, with a nationwide presence. Its current portfolio includes eight international cruise brands, 14 global airlines, and three mobility companies. Scenic and Emerald Cruises join its cruise representation portfolio alongside Holland America Line, Windstar Cruises, A-ROSA River Cruises, Variety Cruises, Polar Latitudes Expeditions, and Ponant Exploration.
Rahul Bhadana is a digital editor at TravTalk with experience spanning multiple content niches, with a strong focus on travel trade journalism and digital publishing. A graduate of Delhi University, his work covers editorial writing, content strategy and platform-led storytelling, supporting TravTalk’s digital growth and industry engagement. A technology enthusiast, he enjoys films, poetry and exploring new ideas across media and culture.