Agents give tour operators the edge: Back-Roads Manager
We all know that agents are valuable when it comes to booking a holiday, but what about from the trade perspective?
According to Back-Roads Country Manager, Dennis Basham, tour operators and wholesalers rely on travel agents to keep them ahead of the curve and on-trend with their products.
In an exclusive chat, Basham told Travel Weekly one of the key ways they choose their next destination or tour product is through the feedback they get from agents.
“We try and stay ahead of the trends and emerging destinations by talking with our preferred agents and tourism partners and incorporating this into our program,” Basham said.
“Back-Roads Touring is preferred with all major agency chains in Australia & New Zealand and this is where the majority of our business comes from.
“Touring can be considered confusing especially if bundled with other products. Most often an agent is required to also assist with airfares, pre/post accommodation & insurance, so why not let the experts take all the hassle out!
“Guest feedback also plays an important role here,” he added.
“With high repeat clientele we are often the first to hear where our guests want to go to next via their feedback!”
Basham admitted that OTAs have made a big move into the traditional travel space, and it’s a part of the landscape wholesalers can’t afford to ignore these days.
“Many of our guests have done their research online prior to booking so our presence online is quite crucial in helping passengers in the research and dreaming phase of the purchase,” Basham told TW.
“There are a couple of OTAs who present touring well, however there are opportunities to improve in this area.
“Personally I think there is room for both as everyone likes choice and flexibility to book with who they want and when they want.”
As for his secret marketing sauce, Basham revealed it was about authenticity and word of mouth.
“For me the secret is to keep doing what we do well by sticking to our true DNA of authentic local experiences and guides, delivering unique, mostly all-inclusive tours to destinations not commonly experienced by bigger operators,” he said.
“This allows us to continue to be different and it is our hope that agents automatically think of Back-Roads when they identify this is the type of touring their clients would appreciate.
“By continually being great at what we do, we hope word of mouth continues to spread and often this is the best form of marketing.”
Back-Roads has added new products recently to cater for changing demand, including “barges in France and sailing in Croatia and Italy”, which Basham explains helps to expand the product “beyond traditional small coach touring experiences only”.
Back-Roads has even added the option of a Dubai stopover tour, for travellers wanting a niche way to break up a long-haul flight to Europe.
The majority of Back-Roads tours start in major capital cities, making it easy for international travellers to access.
But that’s not where they stop, Basham assures us.
“Once on route, Back-Roads tours certainly move to a more regional focus to take a more scenic journey, avoiding busy motorways.
“Our guests tell us they enjoy the flexibility of having a driver & guide who bring their expertise to the trip but also enjoy the leisurely paced itineraries and free time to self-explore.
“Our guests often compare our tours as a self-drive itinerary without them having to do the driving which is why I believe our tours are so popular. They are after unique experiences where they can mix and mingle and feel like a local.”
Basham also told TW that the younger crowds have started making appearances on tours.
“We are starting to see a slightly younger audience on tour breaking away from the cliché that coach touring is only for those in their 60’s, 70’s or 80’s,” he said.
“I believe that because we offer small group touring for between 15-18 guests we attract more single travellers as it is not as intimidating for them when travelling alone.
“Back-Roads touring started over 25 years ago as the Battlefield experts and the product range and offering has grown from there. Our new 2018 brochure has just been released and we now offer 50 tours with over 700 departures, many already guaranteed.
“But it doesn’t stop there, we have big plans to keep growing!”
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
back-roads touring dennis basham travel agentsLatest News
Linkd appoints Carolyn Nightingale and Lawson Dibb to new roles
Linkd Tourism sings praises of Carolyn Nightingale and dubs Lawson Dibb as Kyushu Tourism Office guru.
Celebrity Ascent makes its European debut
Choosing to cruise this northern summer? Celebrity Ascent promises to raise the bar.
NCL opens sales for Norwegian Sun’s APAC debut, announces 14 new voyages
It was to be 13 new voyages we heard, but given the numbers unlucky nature, an extra had to be thought up.
Inside Travel Group appoints Tom Welland Global Trade Marketing Manager
Heidi's Tom Welland heads to Inside Travel Group as its new Global Trade Marketing Manager.
Federal Government rolls out $1.4m program to promote careers in tourism across regional NSW
The Government taking a break from some of its pointier issues with some work in our incredible industry!
Australian visitors to South Korea surge
Japanned out? Aussies are adding South Korea to their bucket list.
G Adventures celebrates Dr. Jane Goodall’s 90th with new wildlife-focused trips
Fancy yourself as a bit of a conservationist? Put your skills to the test on the Jane Goodall collection.
Virgin Australia says suspended flights to Bali result of Boeing MAX delays
If only we had a company like Boeing to blame our mistakes on. Any takers? Get in touch!
Airline Review: Singapore Airlines Business Class – A380-800
The iconic Singapore Airlines' A380-800 is in a class of its own - business class that is.
South African Airways to relaunch Joburg – Perth flights as economic ties strengthen
Bringing two of the world's most distinctive accents closer together, for good or for bad is yet to be determined.
My journey: Before becoming a travel agent I was… a palliative care nurse
Australind Travel & Cruise, Travellers Choice member Saibra Twigg reveals her life as paediatric nurse then to palliative care before a career leap to travel agent. How did you become a palliative care nurse? ST I went straight from school in nursing and initially specialised in paediatrics, working at Perth’s Princess Margaret Hospital for Children. […]
Emirates unveils future plans with new hub at Al Maktoum International Airport
We've also been looking into our future. It involves plenty of famils, we hope.
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]