Sell your clients on small group tours

Travelling solo or as part of a larger tour group can be a daunting experience.

But with all the fears comes an abundance of perks, with Back-Roads Touring recording new levels of popularity in the first half of 2015, indicating that more and more travellers are turning to small group touring as an alternative.

Back-Roads Touring brand manager, Hugh Houston, shared his insight into why more travellers are turning to small group tours when heading overseas.

1. Opt for cosy and comfortable

Many people don’t realise the impact your group size can make on your overall experience.

“Travelling in a small group allows you the luxury of space and comfort, but also means more opportunity for you to interact with your fellow travellers and to learn more from your tour guide so you can uncover hidden gems,” Houston said.

“Back-Roads operates with a maximum of 18 passengers per tour (with exception to our Charming Waterways series), which allows us to keep your experience intimate and personalised at all times.”

2. Travel less, explore more

“We often encounter travellers who are hesitant to book a ‘tour’ because they are concerned that they will spend more time on the road than in the destination,” Houston said of this group touring concern.

“Seek touring options which are light on travel, but heavy on experience with a concentrated number of days in the one destination.”

3. Choose charm over ‘cheap’

“Try to stay somewhere owned and operated by a local, not a hotel chain,” Houston said.

To really maximise your cultural experience on holidays, bespoke accommodation run by locals is an easy way to immerse yourself into the culture.

“Sometimes you only need to travel 30 minutes from the hustle and bustle to find yourself at a quaint country inn or a grand French chateaus filled with authentic local charm!”

4. Authentic experiences

Who better to show you the most authentic local experiences than those who live in the destination you are visiting, or someone who knows the place like the back of their hand?

“It’s important for passengers to relate to local culture, to eat in locally owned restaurants and to see local craftsmanship,” Houston said.

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

backroads touring hugh houston