G Adventures UK National Sales Manager Stu Darnley has hailed the TV series Race Across the World for boosting touring and adventure sales.
Speaking at Travel Gossip’s online New to Touring and Adventure Travel Bootcamp, Stu said: “Race Across the World most recently did wonders for our industry.
“Agents see this, anytime there is something on television – “Joanna Lumley is coming down a river somewhere,” – is usually what I hear, they’ll find there’s enquiries around that, and I know a lot of the ATAS (Association of Touring and Adventure Suppliers) travel partners and a lot of partners like ourselves try to put offers to support that.
“The likes of Race Across the World really showed that experience-led travel, beyond the sunloungers, beyond the hotel itself, experiences with local people and trying food.
“Sometimes it’s chaotic and that’s okay, because that’s really experiencing a destination. And when you’ve got a trusted local guide, which you’ll have on most touring products with all the different operators, you’ve got that support network as well to help you while you’re out there.”
Titan Travel UK Head of Trade Hayley Morris said Asia is ‘huge’ in the touring sector right now, especially Japan and India.
“Canada and USA always continues to sell well for us,” she added. “The Middle East is making a comeback, which is great to see. It has obviously had its struggles over a period of time but it is making a big, big comeback.”
Customers are wanting to spend ‘more and more’ by upgrading flights and expending their stay, added Hayley.
Also, she said the solo market is on the rise. “We are seeing a massive, massive uphike in solo travellers. “They are wanting to mix with other solo travellers, they want to travel on their own even though they are part of a family or a couple, so yes, the solo market is on the rise as well.”
Travel Gossip’s free New to Touring & Adventure Bootcamp continues throughout Monday and Tuesday, 15-16 July; content will be available to view on demand later on this page.