Shifting strategies
Tour operators cater to next wave of travel
Recognizing that people are increasingly aware of distance and prefer to spend more time outside these days, Kensington Tours has expanded the range of travel destinations that it offers.
In the last few months the tailor-made private tour provider introduced two new collections of custom private-guided experiences to inspire travellers: North American National Parks and Private Retreats.
“Our National Parks collection features destinations that are relatively local and easy to get to, while providing a stunning experience where your local private guide takes you off the beaten path, and away from the typical tourist crowds,” Alison Hickey, President, Kensington Tours, tells Travel Courier. “Our Private Retreats are more global, with direct flights and remote stays. You stay in accommodations that are private, remote and thoroughly vetted. And you have private access to sites of interest through your local private guide. It’s all about having a memorable experience while maintaining distancing and staying safe.”
Kensington Tours has also instituted its Safe Travel Certified program, aligning with the recommendations of the World Travel & Tourism Council.
“It’s a series of protocols that ensures we’re doing everything we can to protect our clients and our teams on the ground, including providing masks and gloves, making hand sanitizer available, and ensuring that our hotel partners have implemented stringent cleaning procedures,” she adds.
In a new initiative announced by Trafalgar and its sister brand Costsaver, Canadian clients of 12 of more can now book an entire private trip departure in Europe this festive season (for a surcharge). Available on all Autumn, Winter and Spring (AWS) itineraries, this new initiative gives enhanced peace of mind for family and friend groups preferring to travel as their own private group or ‘bubble’ of people.
With all travel details taken care of and a dedicated on-road team trained in enhanced physical distancing and hygiene protocols while travelling on luxury coaches with rigorous hygiene standards, this offers a way to ease back into travel in the changing world.
“We know people want to travel but may be apprehensive, and this new initiative is about extending our offering by giving groups the opportunity to travel as a private group, if they wish,” says Gavin Tollman, CEO of Trafalgar and Costsaver. “This offers enhanced peace of mind through our expertise while confidently reigniting clients love of travel, and we’re proud to be leading the way in the category,” Tollman concluded.
In the spirit of the more the merrier, the more Canadian clients that travel, the more the surcharge reduces.
- From 12 to 15 guests – 30% surcharge on brochure/advertised price.
- From 16 to 19 guests – 20% surcharge on brochure/advertised price.
- From 20 to 25 guests – 10% surcharge on brochure/advertised price.
- For 26 guests or more, the price is as brochure/advertised, no additional surcharge.
For more on Trafalgar, Insight Vacations and how TTC and its leading guided vacations brands are preparing for the next normal, check out our recent interview with Ulla Hefel Böhler and Gavin Tollman.
For 2021, Globus and Cosmos are making their group experiences even smaller with Small Group Discovery tours on all departures through Central & South America, Asia, Africa and select departures in the South Pacific.
With an average of 20 guests per departure, in 2021, travellers will enjoy a Small Group Discovery that promises room to roam, while getting up-close and personal to fascinating places.
“With our Small Group Discovery tours, travellers will be in good company,” Stéphanie Bishop, managing director for the Globus family of brands. “Whether they’re navigating the mysteries of Machu Picchu; embarking on a game-drive through Tanzania or breathing in the orange blossoms in Japan, Small Group Discoveries in exotic destinations promise big experiences in 2021.”
In 2021, Globus, Cosmos and Monograms are offering travellers 12 Africa vacations that invite them to pack their khakis, greys and greens to get ready for the ride (rides) of their lives.
“We won’t try to camouflage our excitement for the Africa experiences we have created for travellers,” said Bishop. “Whether they choose to to watch the sun rise over the Serengeti plains or sun set along South Africa’s Garden Route; to follow the tracks of the ‘Big 5’ in Kenya or witness the thunderous roar of Victoria Falls on the legendary Zambezi River, we have the perfect Africa vacations planned. Our robust offerings include private safaris through Monograms and Small Group Discovery vacations from Globus and Cosmos next year.”
On a Globus, Cosmos or Monograms vacation to – and through – Africa, travellers will experience a custom-designed 4-wheel drive safari vehicle as they search for Cape Buffalo, cheetah, zebra, elephant, lion and giraffe on safari in places like: Serengeti National Park, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Chobe National Park and Kruger National Park.
Thanks to “Local Favourites” experiences, Globus also invites travellers to dance to the tune of different cultures and step into someone else’s shoes to experience the world from an insider’s perspective. Some experiences travellers will enjoy include:
- Spending time with Jane Goodall’s beloved Chimpanzees at Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary.
- Sipping mimosas at a bush breakfast or a sundowner drink in the Maasai Mara.
- Finding joy in a traditional Maasai dance performance in the Serengeti.
