Celebrating a Decade of Adventure: Avanti Destinations and the FIT Market in Asia
Avanti Destinations, a leading B2B tour operator focused exclusively on Travel Advisor bookings, is commemorating a significant milestone in its journey—its 10th anniversary of selling FIT (Fully Independent Travelers) in Asia. Over the past decade, the company has transformed the way travel advisors approach travel in this vibrant and diverse region, and they’re not slowing down anytime soon.
Expanding Horizons: Avanti’s Asia Portfolio
Since enlarging its offerings to include Asia in 2015, Avanti Destinations has become a major player in the FIT market across several countries. Currently, the company’s impressive portfolio features comprehensive vacation packages, accommodations, sightseeing tours, and unique experiences in Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, Singapore, and the Philippines.
As of 2025, Avanti proudly boasts a robust Asia product line that includes over 750 hotels, 300 tours and experiences, and more than 50 vacation packages across 100 locations. “We are adding products all the time,” emphasized Avanti CEO Paul Barry, noting that more than 200 new tours, experiences, and hotels have joined their lineup in the past year alone.
The Allure of Asia for First-Time Visitors
In an exclusive interview with Travel Market Report, Gina Bang, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at Avanti, offered valuable insights into the appeal of Asian destinations for FIT travelers. “For most clients booked on an Avanti Asian FIT vacation by their advisor, it’s their first trip to the region,” Bang shared. This novelty factor, paired with the region’s exceptional value, makes Asia an enticing destination.
Bang highlighted that travelers accustomed to the pricier European market would be pleasantly surprised by the quality and affordability of accommodations and experiences in Asia. “Clients will discover that throughout Asia, particularly in Southeast Asia, the hotels, tours, and cuisine are top-notch and much more affordable than in Europe,” she explained.
Countries like Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam are particularly successful for Avanti. “Japan has been our top-selling Asian country since we launched our offerings in the region,” Barry noted, adding that Japan’s popularity has skyrocketed to place it among Avanti’s top ten best-selling countries overall. To ensure a seamless travel experience, Barry advises travel advisors to book Japanese vacations at least six months in advance given the limited availability of English-speaking guides in less touristy areas.
New Resources for Travel Advisors: The Asia Advisor Reference Guide
In line with its commitment to enhancing the travel advisor experience, Avanti recently unveiled a comprehensive 92-page print guide for Asia. Available for online ordering, this guide is a valuable resource for travel advisors looking to expand their knowledge and effectively plan journeys for clients.
This newly released Asia Advisor Reference Guide includes detailed information on 375 hotels, 196 tours and experiences, five customizable vacations, three customizable city stays, and 10 fixed-price packages in 68 locations across 12 Asian destinations. While pricing isn’t directly listed in the printed guide, QR codes provide instant links to Avanti’s dedicated Asia regional website, where current pricing information can be accessed.
According to Barry, the introduction of fixed-price packages is designed to serve as a time-saving tool for the industry and initiate conversations between travel advisors and their clients about planning FIT trips to Asia. Additionally, the guide features insider tips about travel times, maps of hotel locations, and recommendations for local cuisine, plus unique, less-touristed sights that add an authentic touch to the travel experience.
Unique Travel Options: Luxury Rail and Experiential Travel
One of the standout features included in the Asia Advisor Reference Guide is a description of Avanti’s new luxury rail experience in Vietnam. This offering promises an extraordinary way to explore the country’s stunning landscapes while enjoying unparalleled comfort and service. The guide also covers two- and three-day cruises in Halong Bay, allowing travel advisors to showcase diverse luxury experiences to their clients.
For those interested in traditional accommodations, the guide features a selection of 12 ryokans in Japan, providing guests with an authentic experience complete with tatami-matted rooms, futon beds, communal baths, and opportunities to savor local cuisine.
Empowering Travel Advisors
Travel advisors can leverage the information in Avanti’s new brochure as they craft personalized travel experiences for clients. Not only does it serve as a reference for planning itineraries, but it also enhances travel advisors’ ability to discuss travel details confidently with their clients.
To keep abreast of the latest updates or to pursue booking opportunities in Asia, travel advisors can reach out directly to an Asia Destination Specialist by calling 1-800-422-5053, or they can navigate the travel advisor portal at Avanti Destinations.
The evolution of Avanti Destinations over the past ten years reflects not only a dedication to providing exceptional travel experiences but also a commitment to supporting travel advisors in their quest to offer clients an enchanting journey through Asia.