EXCLUSIVE: Explore Worldwide MD on how to sell adventure and trends to follow

EXCLUSIVE: Explore Worldwide MD on how to sell adventure and trends to follow

Big news, guys: Explore Worldwide have appointed Adventure World Travel as their new GSA for Australia!

Specialists in small group adventures, Explore Worldwide focuses on the active and adventurous 50 + market with an extensive portfolio of over 600 trips in more than 130 countries.

And now, for the first time, it’s introducing a dedicated Walking and Trekking, Cycling and Family range to complement its extensive discovery trips.

To find out everything you need to know about Explore Worldwide and get you some handy selling tips, we sat down with its managing director, Joe Ponte.

Group on top of arch in Wadi Rum Desert

Travel Weekly: What does the appointment of Adventure World Travel as GSA mean for Explore Worldwide?

Joe Ponte: It means a great deal. In 1984 Adventure World helped launch Explore in Australia so we are excited to be back in partnership.

Both businesses share a passion for an adventurous style of travel and Adventure World Travel are the clear leaders in this space in Australia and New Zealand.

We are tremendously excited that, with Adventure World and their extensive local partners, we will be able to show Australian travellers our truly unique style of travel.

TW: What can Explore Worldwide offer agents and their clients?

JP: Explore is the original adventure travel company, offering incredible experience and uniquely targeting 50 + customers.

And we are proud to have a 66 per cent repeat customer loyalty – that is something as an agent you want to be part of!

Our itineraries are truly innovative and pioneering. Last year we were the first travel company to offer a trip to Chernobyl, getting travellers the opportunity to go within the exclusion zone.

Clients travel in small groups with an average group size of 12, and are treated to what we call ‘special moments’ or ‘twists’ on every tour such as kayaking in Venice or cycling the temples of Angkor.

We offer free arrival and departure airport transfers, flexible deposits and no solo traveller supplements.

Agents are guaranteed expert booking advice, great commission and incentives and some once in a lifetime educational opportunities – stay tuned for more details!

Taking in the view over Valletta

TW: What’s your adventure travel trend forecast?

JP: Family adventures for us is a range that is continuously growing.

In terms of destinations, Japan, Morocco, and Georgia have been popular in 2018 and our Europe range is expanding rapidly.

Fully immersive trips such as our cycling and walking programs are increasingly popular, and we are developing our special interest trips, such as our 4 day trip to Iceland with an expert Astronomer, to keep up with the demand in this area.

TW: What factors should agents push when trying to sell adventure travel?

JP: I would encourage agents to get to know the styles of travel available.

At Explore, we offer a full range of cultural discovery trips, walking and trekking trips, Cycling and Family adventures not to mention Polar Expeditions.

All our trips carry a pace grading from relaxed, to moderate, to full-on, and an accommodation grading from simple, to standard, right through to premium, so there really is a trip and style for everyone.

Adventure travel is a rapidly growing sector in the industry, so I would encourage all agents to pick up a brochure, familiarise themselves with our trips and destinations and get selling!

All new bookings from 16/10/18 will be handled by Adventure World Travel and can be contacted using the same free call number 1300 439 756 or via res@exploreworldwide.com.au

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