by Isabel Conway –
Small group Adventure specialists G Adventures have launched tailor made tours in response to agent feedback creating customised itineraries in 11 destinations which are available immediately.
In December 2018, G Adventures surveyed more than 450 travel agents globally** and 84% reported an increase in requests for tailor-made travel and private tours. 44% stated it as being ‘in high demand’ and 40% said demand had increased in the past year.
The world’s leading small group travel organisation pledges itineraries with encounters which brings travel closer to the world, its people, their culture and their way of life. “We don’t just offer the world. We offer you to the world”, G Adventures promises travellers. The new tailormade itineraries offer exciting immersive experiences from Costa Rica to Cambodia and Peru to Botswana.
Bruce Poon Tip, founder, G Adventures, says there has been a distinct gap in the market for tailor-made travel solutions in adventure travel, specifically in the affordable and mid-market price ranges.
“The flexibility of TailorMade means travellers can combine experiential travel with customisation. While we’ve recognised an opportunity in the mid-range travel market, we’ll also be able to cater to higher-end tastes in transport, meals and accommodation.
“Most importantly, when booking a TailorMade trip all travellers are still booking what G Adventures is best known for, which is socially responsible travel. Our ‘G for Good’ social enterprise projects are available as an option to visit in all 11 launch destinations, and when travellers use our recommended suppliers their money stays in the local economy,” says Poon Tip.
The 11 launch destinations for TailorMade travel in 2019 are Botswana, Cambodia, Costa Rica, Peru, Ecuador (including Galápagos), India, Laos, South Africa, Thailand, Vietnam and Zimbabwe, with two or three sample itineraries available for each as inspiration for travellers making a TailorMade request.
Jeff Russill, senior vice president, marketing and product, G Adventures, says demand for customisation is being seen across many industries as consumers look to indulge in more one-of-a-kind experiences.
“G Adventures’ new TailorMade trips tap into the current zeitgeist and the public’s growing interest in being able to ‘choose your own adventure’, such as we’ve seen recently on the popular Netflix show, Black Mirror. Up until now, we have only been able to provide our private group adventure travellers with a duplicate of an existing G Adventures itinerary, departing on their chosen date. We’re excited to innovate in this space to bring customised adventure and experiential travel to more people,” says Russill.
G Adventures is in the process of expanding its sales team and assigning dedicated specialists who will work with travel agents and customers to design the ideal itinerary. Options will include bespoke transportation, accommodation, meals, activities, pace of travel and budget. Travellers can opt to select a sample itinerary and depart on their own date, amend a sample itinerary, or create a whole new itinerary with the help of their private travel consultant.
TailorMade tours are available for solo travellers or groups of nearly any size, and perfect for couples, families, friends, honeymooners, teams and affinity groups who enjoy G Adventures’ style of travel, but want to create an itinerary that caters to their unique needs.
For more information please visit https://www.gadventures.com/travel-styles/private-travel/.
