With many travellers pumped to get out and see the world again, premium guided tour operator Insight Vacations has launched its new 2022-2023 Worldwide collection, offering your clients a wide range of ways to explore Europe, Northern Africa, the Americas and Asia.
In a conversation with TravelPulse Canada, Insight Vacations and Luxury Gold president for Canada Brad Ford says the time is right and the appetite is strong for the renewal of travel.
"For 2022 we're already at 70% of 2019 sales. People have been holding back. But they're realizing that time is precious, life is precious, and they're ready to travel at an elevated level. They want to do it now in style," Ford said.
With a vaccination requirement for all tours through the end of 2022, Ford says travel advisors can sell with confidence.
"We're running trips, so we're at a point we can talk about their success. The post-trip reviews are so positive, so joyous," Ford says. "We want advisors to tell the stories, share the posts from Instagram and other user-generated content. People are feeling that connection again to the world and I think there's a tsunami of goodness coming."
The new interactive Insight brochure features 133 itineraries and over 100 distinct 'Insight Experiences' that take travellers under the skin of their destinations. And for the first time, Insight's 'Make Travel Matter' experiences - designed to leave a positive impact on the places visited -- are included on every tour worldwide.
Insight earns its 'premium' descriptor through smaller groups, quality accommodations in central locations, authentic dining and privileged admission to important attractions. Clients choosing 2022-2023 Insight tours will also experience enhanced health and safety protocols, under the guidance of a specially trained 'Well-Being Director.'
Insight's 'Make Travel Matter' Experiences aim to advance the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. These experiences are designed to connect guests with people, the planet and wildlife and promote the values of sustainable tourism.
"We've been adding these experiences for years, but this is the first time we'll have one on every tour, in addition to the Insight Experiences that take people into the lives of locals. Insight travellers are innately curious and want to understand deeply what's going on in a destination," Ford says.
New Insight Vacations itineraries for 2022-2023 include:
Country Roads of Andalucia
On this nine-day itinerary, clients will explore the vibrant destinations of Southern Spain, filled with cultural and culinary highlights. During a visit to Seville, for example, travellers will enjoy a 'Make Travel Matter' experience at the Cristina Heeren Foundation, which aims to promote the teaching and conservation of flamenco.
Country Roads of Wales, Devon & Cornwall
During this 13-day guided tour, guests will explore Dorset's seaside vistas, the rolling hills of the Cotswolds and discover the literary legacy of Jane Austen. It features an 'Insight Experience' in the picturesque and historic Hampshire village of Selborne, where travellers will meet ceramicist Robert Goldsmith, the master artist behind the world-famous Selborne Pottery.
Hawaii with Oahu, Maui & the Big Island
Clients will experience the magic of three beautiful Hawaiian islands on this 7-day guided vacation. A 'Make Travel Matter' experience on Oahu includes an eco-tour with a local expert and the opportunity to plant a native Milo tree contributing to the healing of the local ecosystem.
"Travel really makes a difference to people," Ford says. "Now the confidence is returning, the swell is happening. I know our travel partners have been through a lot, but it's time to embrace that energy and tell the good story that travel is back."
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