05 January 2009

The Adventure Company seeks to widen agency distribution

An adventure tour operator is seeking to expand sales through agents.

The Adventure Company is offering in-house training on what the adventure travel sector encompasses, where it operates and how it can be sold.

The move coincides with the release of the firm’s 2009-10 Adventure Collection brochure, which claims to offer adventure travel in increased comfort for those hesitant about ‘roughing it’.

The aim is to bring adventure travel to a wider customer base as well as providing an ‘all-in-one’ travel experience for those cutting down on overseas trips during the economic downturn, according to the company.

UK agency sales manager Vicky Gallear said: "The adventure travel sector is one of the fastest growing in the market, but many travel agents are still unsure how to position and sell it.

"Even potential customers aren’t always clear on whether an adventure holiday would be right for them.

"There is still a preconception that adventure holidays are purely about active experiences such as abseiling down a cliff face or battling rapids on a white water raft, but adventure travel encompasses a huge range of options focusing on culture and wildlife experience, which offer an easy entry into a new type of holiday."

The Adventure Collection offers small group tours combining off-the-beaten track experiences with a higher level of comfort in transportation and accommodation.

"With a gentler pace and more valuable inclusions than other adventure trips, agents will find The Adventure Collection attracts a wide customer base," Gallear said.

"The trips are ideal for first time adventure travellers looking for a transition into something new; busy professionals after rest and relaxation as well as stimulation and variety; older travellers able to treat themselves; or parents who want the reassurance that this holiday will be of a high enough quality to suit their family’s needs."

by Phil Davies