Globus Unveils Small Group Discovery Tours: A New Era in Travel
In an exciting development for travel enthusiasts and adventurers alike, Globus, a renowned escorted tour operator, is set to tap into the burgeoning trend of small-group travel with their newly announced Small Group Discovery Tours. This innovative product line, revealed during this year’s Virtuoso Travel Week, features over 50 global itineraries tailored for groups averaging 15 travelers in Europe and 18 outside Europe. With the launch scheduled for next year, these tours promise an immersive and engaging travel experience, boasting an average of 14 included excursions while maintaining an approximate per diem of $500.
The Inspiration Behind Small Group Discovery Tours
As the world gradually reopened following the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a palpable shift in traveler preferences. A heightened interest in distancing, as well as a desire for deeper, more intimate connections with destinations, led Globus to experiment with special small-group departure dates. The enthusiastic response to these tours ignited the company’s ambition to create a distinctly curated range of Small Group Discovery tours—an offering crafted to foster connections between travelers and the destinations they explore.
Steve Born, Chief Marketing Officer of the Globus Family of Brands, emphasizes that this smaller travel dynamic aligns with the trend of travelers seeking richer, more authentic experiences. He notes, “These experiences are more easily created with a smaller traveling group,” signaling a thoughtful approach to tour design that prioritizes connection and immersion.
The Allure of Small-Group Travel
Small-group tours are gaining momentum among travelers eager to skip the generic guidebook experiences and delve into the heart of their destinations. Globus recognizes that the allure of small-group travel lies in the unique opportunities it presents. With fewer travelers, the company can facilitate exclusive activities, special excursions, and accommodations that are simply unfeasible for larger groups. It’s a safe bet that travelers can expect behind-the-scenes interactions, local storytelling, and cultural richness that elevate their journeys.
Ideal Clients for Small Group Discovery Tours
So, who is the perfect fit for these intimate tours? According to Born, the Small Group Discovery tours cater to both seasoned globetrotters and newcomers seeking transformative experiences. These tours appeal to premium touring customers who crave unique encounters, allowing them to explore destinations beyond the surface. Whether they are experienced travelers yearning for something new or first-timers eager for an unforgettable experience, these tours are designed for those seeking to connect meaningfully with the places they visit.
Finding the Sweet Spot in Group Size
The decision to limit group sizes to 15 to 18 travelers for European tours and up to 24 for non-European destinations stems from a deliberate design process. Globus aims to foster an environment conducive to “boutique experiences,” which can include everything from unique accommodations to exclusive tastings and private excursions. By working backward from the desired experiences, Globus has identified these numbers as the “magic” sizes that deliver unforgettable adventures without the chaos of larger groups.
Developing the Tours from the Ground Up
What sets the Small Group Discovery tours apart is their meticulous design process. Unlike many small group tours that simply reduce traveler numbers, Globus has crafted these offerings with a rich framework of special experiences to enhance traveler immersion. As a result, the smaller group size is not merely incidental; it serves as a foundational element that amplifies the unique journeys they provide.
Spotlight on Exciting Itineraries
Among the 50 itineraries debuting in this new product line, a few stand out as particularly enticing. "Enchanting Italy," for example, engages all five senses while leading travelers through iconic sites in Rome, Florence, and Venice, coupled with hidden gems in Perugia and Pienza. Another noteworthy tour, "Kenya & Tanzania: The Safari Experience," promises thrilling wildlife encounters and luxurious tented camps, making it a dream getaway for adventure seekers. Steve Born’s enthusiasm for these itineraries reflects the passion and creativity infused into their design.
A Committed Focus on Small Group Experiences
In light of this new initiative, Globus is deepening its commitment to small-group travel across its entire portfolio. Travelers will also find special small-group departure dates limited to an average of 24 travelers on most existing Globus tours, resulting in a suite of nearly 250 tours in total alongside 5,000 departures catering specifically to the small group demographic.
Opportunities for Travel Advisors
For travel advisors looking to leverage this innovative offering, Small Group Discovery tours present an exciting revenue opportunity. Advisors can harness their intimate knowledge of client preferences to match them with these premium experiences, encouraging dream planning that can lead to increased commissions and exceptional client satisfaction. Born underscores the power of suggestion; when advisors present these distinctive itineraries to their clients, they elevate the planning process to new heights—a win-win for both advisors and travelers.
As Globus embarks on this new chapter with the Small Group Discovery Tours, the travel landscape eagerly anticipates the enriched experiences and deeper connections that await those who venture into this carefully crafted world of intimate exploration.