Fifty travel industry colleagues are invited to step up for the adventure of a lifetime on the Camino de Santiago, Spain, in April

  Following five years of tough challenges and incredible fundraising achievements from the British travel industry, G Adventures is excited to announce that G Trek for Good 2026 will take on the world-famous Camino de Santiago in Spain.   Taking place 13-20 April 2026, the 100km-long trek will be the biggest yet, with 50 travel industry members invited to take part with a shared goal of raising £50,000 for two life-changing organisations.   Funds raised will be split equally between Planeterra, G Adventures’ non-profit partner which uses community tourism to change lives globally, and ABTA LifeLine, which provides financial and emotional support to UK travel industry colleagues in need.   The Camino de Santiago is one of the world’s most famous treks, made up of a series of ancient pilgrimage routes that weave their way through Portugal, France and Northern Spain, ending at the staggering UNESCO World Heritage Site of Santiago de Compostela Cathedral in northwest Spain.   Brian Young, Managing Director EMEA at G Adventures, said: “The Camino de Santiago is a hike that people travel thousands of miles across the world to experience. It’s beautiful, but with long days on the path plus the curveball of carrying our own kit, this is a trek that will challenge us and will bring us all together. The sense of camaraderie on these challenges, and the shared purpose of raising funds for two vital organisations, always proves to be hugely rewarding for everybody involved.”   “G Trek for Good is about creating lasting impact for the communities that we support. Every step counts, and we’re excited to have double the number of spots available. I’m calling on my industry colleagues to take on a new challenge and experience something truly fulfilling, whilst also changing lives through travel.” he continues.   Previous treks have taken place in Colombia’s Lost City, Morocco’s Mount Toubkal, Choquequirao in Peru and Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro. Since launching in 2019, the initiative has raised over £165,000 and has become a key event in the UK travel trade calendar.   There are still spots remaining. Keen participants can register their interest here. 

 

Cambodia selected as new GX host to highlight the power of community tourism where it’s needed most

  G Adventures is excited to reveal Cambodia as the new host for its 2026 GX Summit, taking place this September. Having originally been set to take place in Morocco, the decision to change location reflects GX’s core mission to use travel as a force for good by supporting destinations where community tourism can have the greatest positive impact.   “GX is so much more than a conference,” said Bruce Poon Tip, founder of G Adventures. “It’s about celebrating the power of travel done right, in destinations where our global community can help drive real, positive change. Morocco has enjoyed significant tourism success in recent years while Cambodia, despite being a spectacular and safe destination, has faced challenges following regional unrest, which impacts the livelihoods of local people.”   Now in its fourth year, GX brings together a global community of travel agents, partners, media, content creators, travellers, industry leaders and G Adventures staff to experience firsthand how community tourism supports livelihoods, preserves culture, and creates long-term economic opportunity. Hosting GX in Cambodia aligns with that vision, placing the spotlight on a destination where tourism recovery can directly benefit local people.   The move continues a clear pattern in GX’s history. Over the past three years, the summit has been intentionally hosted in destinations navigating recovery and renewal, including Peru following civil unrest, India as it slowly rebounded from the pandemic, and Jordan, which saw a 186% increase in G Adventures passengers after GX took place there in September 2025.   “Looking back, the impact is undeniable,” added Bruce Poon Tip. “GX doesn’t just talk about community tourism, it helps to activate it. I couldn’t be more excited for Cambodia to be the next chapter in that story and I want to personally thank the Moroccan Tourism Board for their support and belief in the vision of GX.”   GX Cambodia will take place from 23 to 28 September and will celebrate the destination’s rich history and culture exploring both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, while offering attendees the opportunity to meet local communities and visit inspiring projects firsthand.

  G Adventures is wrapping up 2025 with a bang, celebrating its most successful Black Friday/Cyber Sale ever. With travellers eager to lock in life changing trips at unbeatable prices, the sales period saw over 30% increase in global sales and 26% increase in UK & Ireland sales year-on-year, led by Black Friday, G Adventures’ second highest global sales day on record.   Originally ending on 30 November, the demand was so strong that G Adventures rolled out an extended Cyber Week through to 5 December, giving even more travellers the chance to book their dream 2026 trip at an incredible price.   Travel agency partners in UK & Ireland were the superstars of the season, driving remarkable sales, a testament to the continued strength of the travel trade and the strong appetite for immersive and experiential travel adventures among customers.   “It’s been a massive year for G Adventures with incredible innovation and record-breaking performance and, to end the year on such an incredible Black Friday period will turbo charge us into 2026. A huge thanks goes to our agent community around the world, whose energy, expertise and commitment has played an enormous role in all of our success over the past 12 months, and we’re just getting started!” says Ben Perlo, chief executive officer at G Adventures.   The sale showcased discounts of up to 30 per cent on more than 550 trips departing in 2026, and saw strong growth across all travel styles, with Classic trip sales up 40% globally year on year*. Following the relaunch of the Arctic, travellers seeking polar trips drove a 15% growth in Expedition global sales, while young travellers aged 18 to 39 pushed the 18-to-Thirtysomethings sales to a 16% increase year on year*.   Despite not being included in the sale, demand for Geluxe, G Adventures’ premium travel style which caters to an older demographic of traveller seeking upgraded active experiences, was incredibly strong and saw a 33% increase in sales year on year*.   Globally, Asia was the favourite destination among travellers, with North Africa and South America following. Peru, one of G Adventures most popular destinations with 66 trips in operation, saw incredible growth of 17%, Japan was up 30% and South Korea 55%. The MENA region saw a huge upswing in demand, with Jordan (which hosted the recent GX Summit in September) growing over 350%, Egypt nearly 200% and Morocco nearly 40%*.

G Adventures announced two new additions to its leadership team. Leah Shelly has been appointed Chief Community Officer, GTC (previously VP of People & Community Operations, G Adventures), and Michelle Hudema takes on the role of Chief Operating Officer, GTC (previously VP of Strategic Operations, G Adventures). This is part of the strategic evolution for G Adventures and its sister brands within the G Travel Community (GTC), including G Touring (Travelsphere and JustYou) and TruTravels.) As CCO, Shelly will lead the people and culture strategy across the G Travel Community, while Hudema as COO will continue to oversee revenue management, central operations, business intelligence, and business operations. Hudema also takes on responsibility for global tour operations and buying for all GTC brands. “These two leaders exemplify what makes G Adventures extraordinary,” said Jeff Russill, CEO of the G Travel Community. “They’ve grown through the business, know it inside and out, and continue to drive us forward with innovation and purpose.” Bruce Poon Tip, founder of G Adventures and chairman of the GTC added: “Leadership development and investment in our people is incredibly important to me and the GTC. We are the best in the world at building communities, and it all starts with our people.” says Bruce Poon The appointments follow the successful completion of a major shared services transformation across the GTC brands. Leah joined G Adventures in 2011 and has since held several senior roles, including Director of Global Learning and Engagement and VP, People, Community and Operations. Michelle joined G Adventures in 2008 and has worked across nearly every part of the business, from the “Boombox” contact centre to operations, revenue management, and sales.  

 

G Adventures is on a mission to make 2026 the happiest year ever, with new travel list focused on emotional fulfilment

  Introducing the new Travel your heart out: Happiness List 2026, informed by global consumer research that looks beyond where people should go, and instead focuses on the experiences and moments that spark happiness, purpose and fulfillment.   The findings reveal that travel can be a huge driver of long-term happiness and, for many travellers, it’s less about where they go, and more about the experience and how they feel.   85% of British respondents agree¹ travel contributes to their long-term happiness, and 76% report feeling happy² in everyday life when they have a trip booked, compared to only 39%³ without a holiday on the horizon.   TRAVEL MOTIVATION   It’s not just where you go, but how you feel - Travellers across generations are placing emotional fulfilment over ticking off famous sites. 69%⁴ saying they choose trips based on experiences over destinations, rising to 77%⁵ among 25–34 year olds, and 82%⁶ among adventure travellers, highlighting how purpose-driven travel is shaping a new era of exploration.   The desire to feel something – awe, wonder, joy, connection – is outpacing the urge to simply “see” something.   The power of connection and belonging - The study reveals that quality time with loved ones and joyful shared memories are the strongest contributors to happiness when travelling. 52% said time with family or a partner made them happiest on a past trip.   Purpose-driven travel and understanding your place in the world - G Adventures believes that travel can drive understanding, overcome fear and be the fastest path to peace. 79% of travellers surveyed say travel makes them more understanding and empathetic of other cultures and 68% say being part of a community is important to them, while 73% say it helps them better understand themselves and their purpose – a sentiment strongest among 25–34 year olds (81%)⁸.   Ethical travel is also a growing priority. 83% say they are thoughtful about who they travel with and their ethics, and 77% avoid experiences that don’t support the ethical treatment of animals. 82% say that it’s important to them to avoid overcrowded destinations and opt for more off-the-beaten track options or off-peak times of year⁹.   Decompressing, disconnecting, and finding wonder - In an always-on world, the results show travellers are craving time to pause and breathe. 65%¹⁰ say they feel happier with longer holidays (two weeks or more), and 55% want to relax and de-stress, particularly 75+ year olds (74%).   But it’s not just rest they’re seeking. 37% say they want to be active and explore on holiday, and 35% want to feel a sense of wonder. Many find that happiness in open, untamed landscapes, with 39% of respondents who put very remote destinations in their top 3 places ranking it as their top happiness driver and 30% representing the same for mountain environments.   This growing appetite for balance, between activity and stillness, connection and solitude, reflects a new emotional dimension to travel: one that prioritises presence and perspective as much as escape.   Not just a break, but a breakthrough - Supporting G Adventures’ belief that travel should be a breakthrough, 30% of travellers surveyed are seeking a trip that offers the notion of something ‘new’ and ‘different’ to their everyday lives, along with the desire to learn about how people in other parts of the world live. 36% said they wanted a trip to help them feel alive and energised.   Going local - Modern travellers want to experience life like a local, not a visitor. 62% prefer trips that allow them to live like a local, and 88% value staying and eating in locally owned places – supporting communities while getting closer to the heart of a destination. Sustainability is front of mind too: 72% actively consider reducing their carbon footprint through rail or public transport¹¹.   Taste the destination - We’ve all heard the age-old saying ‘The way to a person’s heart is through their stomach’ and travellers seem to agree. 30% of travellers surveyed ranked ‘experiencing different foods and drinks to those I have at home’ as one of their top three drivers of happiness when travelling, with travellers aged 18-24 being the most likely to rank this as their number 1 if it is in their top 3 (29%).   THE TRAVEL YOUR HEART OUT HAPPINESS LIST   So, where and when are travellers truly their happiest selves? The data reveals that beachy bliss, city exploration, ocean escapes, sampling foods and drinks different to those at home and experiencing the culture of a destination top the global happiness chart. Based on the findings, G Adventures is on a mission to make 2026 the happiest travel year yet. The experts at G Adventures have selected 10 new travel experiences based on where travellers say they feel happiest and what motivates them to travel. These trips are guaranteed to leave travellers with smiles on their faces, a full heart, a renewed sense of community and the knowledge that they will leave the world a better place than when they found it.  

1. BEACH TIME IN PANAMA: Beach time topped the happiness chart, with city exploration close behind when travellers were asked what made them happiest when travelling and this brand new 18-to-Thirtysomethings trip perfectly balances both. Young travellers start in vibrant Panama City, soaking up its dynamic mix of history and modern energy before heading off-grid to the San Blas Islands, where Indigenous-owned accommodations offer a rare chance to disconnect from screens and reconnect with life’s simple pleasures. With turquoise waters, traditional huts and boat trips between islands, happiness comes easily as travellers get into the rhythm of island life. The six-day Panama: Sandy Beaches and San Blas Islands starts from £699. 

 

2. EXPLORING NEW CITIES IN THE STANS: New cities, longer journeys, historical immersion, natural beauty and destinations that are far beyond the ordinary - this new 23-day journey through The Stans as part of the National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures collection ticks all the happiness boxes. From wandering the ancient streets of Khiva, Samarkand and Bukhara, to marvelling at natural wonders like Kaindy Lake’s sunken forest and the red rock cliffs of Charyn Canyon, this this region, shaped for centuries by the Silk Road trade, invites a deep sense of wonder, belonging and global connection, leaving travellers more in tune with the world - and themselves. The new 23-day Journeys: Echoes of the Silk Road starts from £5,649

 

3. ON THE OCEAN IN THE ARCTIC: Remote landscapes and time on the water were among the biggest happiness boosters, and there’s nowhere more profound to experience both than the Arctic. Aboard the new G Expedition, the newly-launched Arctic Expeditions offer close encounters with icebergs and glaciers, robust wildlife policies and the opportunity to disconnect in this remote region. Plus, with David Attenborough’s new Frozen Planet available now, travellers can fill up their happiness bucket while they wait for their trip of a lifetime. The 11- day Realm of the Polar Bear starts from £5,499

 

4. EXPERIENCING NEW FOODS AND WINES IN MOLDOVA: For those who find happiness in the joy of new foods and beverages on the road, this new seven-day Moldova trip is a true celebration of culture through cuisine. Travellers will explore underground wine cellars sampling the largest collection of exclusive wines in the country, join locals making traditional dishes and visit an eco-friendly cheese factory in a converted school. It’s about so much more than new flavours; every meal tells a story and every shared table builds a friendship in this often overlooked European gem. The new seven-day Moldova Discovery starts from £1,099

 

5. SLOW DOWN, AVOID THE HOTSPOTS AND EXPERIENCE THE CULTURE OF A DESTINATION LIKE A LOCAL: In a world that’s always rushing, time to slow down, skip the obvious and uncover some of the world’s most interesting places is what many travellers seek most. And that’s the idea behind G Adventures’ three new Local Living trips in France, Morocco, and Iceland. Designed to bypass crowded tourist hotspots and support tourism dispersal, the Local Living collection encourages travelers to stay longer in fewer places, using local transportation, family-run accommodations, and community experiences, creating happiness through genuine human connection. Settling into a destination like locals, travelers will stay in guesthouses or homes, dine in local restaurants and spend time with members of the community. From a week spent in the High Atlas mountains in a family-run B&B, meeting local artisans, planting trees alongside villagers and hiking with local shepherds, to a remote hamlet stay in East Iceland, relaxing in geothermal pools, meeting quirky wildlife and warm-hearted locals and wandering coastal trails to sites of Icelandic folklore and spiritual tradition, these trips are about connection to the land, the locals and a lifestyle that embodies finding joy in the simple way of life. The new six-day Local Living Iceland - Bakkagerdi trip starts from £1,629

 

6. A SENSE OF WONDER - ‘ECLIPSE OF THE CENTURY’ IN EGYPT AND MOROCCO: Few experiences evoke awe like a total solar eclipse and, in August 2027, travellers can witness six unforgettable minutes of celestial magic as the moon blocks the sun for the longest land-based time in decades. G Adventures has launched five new eclipse trips in Egypt and Morocco, offering nearly 400 travellers VIP access to eclipse viewing in prime path of totality locations, including from the deck of a boat on the Nile in Egypt and an exclusive viewing party in Chefchaouen, Morocco. Blending ancient wonders with a once-in-a-lifetime cosmic event, these trips are a must-have on the happiness list. The nine-day Morocco Eclipse 2027: Wonders of the Earth and Sky trip starts from £2679

 

7. CONNECTING WITH FAMILY IN ECUADOR: Over half of travellers surveyed said time with family made them happiest on a past trip and this new National Geographic Family Journey to Ecuador is sure to deliver treasured family memories. From chocolate tasting and rainforest hikes to stays in jungle lodges, families will deepen their connection with the world, and each other on this nine-day adventure. Bonding over discovery and adventure, families will learn about nature, history and Indigenous traditions, with plenty of interactive and adventurous activities for all ages to be enjoyed together. The nine-day Ecuador Family Journey: Volcanoes and The Amazon starts from £2,229

 

8. SUPPORTING WILDLIFE IN SOUTHERN AFRICA: Ethical travel and supporting wildlife emerged as key considerations for travellers when surveyed and this trip delivers both in abundance. Travellers will witness Africa’s most iconic wildlife in their natural habitats while discovering the vital role even the smallest species play in the ecosystem. Venture into the wild heart of Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park, learn what it takes to be a guide in South Africa’s legendary Kruger conservancy, and unwind amid the sophistication of the Cape Winelands - a guaranteed ticket to purpose-driven happiness.The 17-day Geluxe Southern Africa: Kruger, Victoria Falls & Zimbabwe National Parks starts from £7999.

 

9. DE-STRESS AND RELAX WITH SRI LANKA SAILING: Gentle rocking waves, sleeping under the stars, swimming in clear blue waters, enjoying fresh local dishes prepared by an on-board chef and watching the sunset over the ocean; it doesn’t get much more relaxing than this. Sailing Sri Lanka: South Coast starts departures this month, and offers travellers the opportunity to sail along Sri Lanka’s southern coastline, exploring remote beach towns, fishing villages and historic sites, along with plenty of time for swimming, surfing or just relaxing on the deck of the 54-foot catamaran, watching dolphins and blue whales in the water below. The seven-day Sailing Sri Lanka South Coast trip starts from £1259.   

 

10. FEEL ALIVE AND ENERGIZED IN GUATEMALA: Sometimes a solo trip is just the thing to wake up the senses and remember just how big, diverse, welcoming and exciting the world can be.  On the brand new Solo-ish Guatemala trip, travellers will experience the thrill of discovery while learning to make traditional Guatemalan dishes, exploring the ancient ruins of Tikal and visiting local Indigenous villages where they will have the opportunity to browse artisan markets. And, because it’s part of G Adventures’ Solo-ish style of trips, this trip balances independence and community, offering a journey that recharges the spirit, offers community and friendship and celebrates the joy of self-discovery. This nine-day Solo-ish Guatemala starts from £1049.

  G Adventures’ annual agent incentive to offer 15 UK&IRE agents a place at the 2026 GX Summit in Morocco   Community is at the heart of everything G Adventures does, which includes the incredible community of global travel agents who help the community tourism pioneer in their mission of changing lives through travel. G Adventures is thrilled to announce the return of ‘Change Makers’, the global incentive programme that celebrates agents’ potential to make a meaningful impact around the globe.   This year will see 15 agents from the United Kingdom and Ireland earning their way to the fourth annual GX Summit in Morocco in September - joining 75 Change Makers from around the world for an unforgettable experience that celebrates the shared impact of community tourism.   Live now and running up to 31 May 2026, Change Makers rewards agents for doing what they do best: connecting travellers with meaningful adventures that give back. Every booking equals one “life changed,” and every life changed brings agents closer to joining the G Adventures community on the ground in Morocco.   Agents earn one entry for each ‘life changed’ / traveller booked on a G Adventures trip. The top 10 agents from each region will qualify directly, with five ‘wildcard’ spots available to each region to allocate to agents who commit to changing someone’s life by making at least one G Adventures booking and going above and beyond in demonstrating G’s core values of community and impact.   The wildcard challenges include completing specialised G-learning training modules, fundraising for G Adventures’ non-profit partner Planeterra, and rewards for first-time booking agents.   The Change Makers GX Summit in Morocco aims to be the most immersive yet. From souks to the Sahara, agents will have the opportunity to experience the destination's rich cultural heritage, including visits to community tourism projects in partnership with Planeterra, and destination highlights designed to deepen their product knowledge.   Stu Darnley, National Sales Manager at G Adventures said:  “This year’s summit set a new benchmark for what makes this incentive so special - the energy, the purpose and the incredible connections made across our global community. Seeing our agents unite to celebrate our shared impact around the world was truly inspiring. Next year, we’re taking things to the next level - 2026 is going to be bigger, bolder and more meaningful than ever. I wish all participants the best of luck and I can’t wait to see who joins us in Morocco.”   The 2025 Change Makers Challenge is live now and runs until May 31, 2026 2026. To learn more about this incredible opportunity please reach out to your GPS or visit: https://sherpa.gadventures.com/change-makers/

 

Over 700 industry members celebrate the transformative power of travel at GX summit

  G Adventures marked its 35th anniversary with its biggest celebration yet, bringing together over 700 changemakers from around the globe, including travel agents, partners, suppliers, media and travellers, for the third annual GX World Community Tourism Summit. Taking place in Amman, Jordan, the milestone event, coinciding with World Tourism Day, unveiled a wave of bold announcements and a line up of powerful speakers and panel sessions, discussing travel’s power to be transformative.   With the support of headline sponsors, the Jordan Tourist Board and Royal Jordanian Airlines, and in the presence of Her Royal Highness Princess Rajwa Bint Ali, member of the Jordanian royal family, the event was a feel-good celebration of travel, and its ability to empower communities globally.   Highlights included:  

• G Adventures and National Geographic Expeditions announce their new venture into the high-end travel market with the launch of National Geographic Signature with G Adventures
• World-renowned ethologist and conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall DBE, Lonely Planet co-founder Tony Wheeler and Indigenous leader Delfin Pauchi Uhigua named as G Adventures first Global Ambassadors
• Leading voices including Judy Kepher Gona, Nora Shawki, Joel Primus, Carmen Roberts and Nancy Schumacher among guest speakers
• Planeterra confirms 5 million trees grown by end of 2025 as part of groundbreaking Trees for Days initiative
• £480,000 raised for Planeterra to continue its work to uplift communities through tourism

  “GX has shown, once again, the power of our incredible community to change lives around the world. Whether you’re a travel agent, a traveller or a supplier, the message is clear - we all have the power to change lives based on the travel decisions we make. And we’ve seen that power in action again and again,” says Bruce Poon Tip, founder of G Adventures.   “This year GX was extra special as we marked our 35th anniversary, and Jordan was an incredible destination to celebrate that milestone in. We visited some of Jordan’s most iconic sites, we celebrated together, but the message of community tourism remained at the heart of the GX experience and it was a privilege to meet some of the inspiring women and community members that we work with during the week. GX has seen us grow our community tourism partners in Jordan from two to 20, creating a huge positive impact on the lives of local people for years to come.”   A rallying cry for the power of travel to change lives, discussions throughout the GX summit day tackled the profound impact community tourism can have on a destination. The conversation around the importance of youth engagement to effect lasting change drew a standing ovation, as did dialogue on the challenges of sharing authentic experiences, and creating long-lasting, sustainable impact that economically benefits communities while also protecting the environment. It also showcased strong female voices from women-led businesses across Jordan, discussing how tourism can create empowerment and impact for women.   Wrapping up the day, Bruce’s daughters, Jada and Terra Poon Tip, hosted a powerful youth panel highlighting the transformative impact of community tourism whilst ensuring that the voices of youth were heard on a global stage. The panel featured inspiring young leaders whose lives have been uplifted through these initiatives, including Tshepiso Thelingoane from the Good Work Foundation, Ivan Mezeta of Bejil-Ha Riviera Maya, Sewar Al-Fauori - a Jordanian guide from As Salt, and Kajal from the Salaam Baalak Trust in India.   Malia Asfour, Managing Director of the Jordan Tourism Board, North America said: “Through our work at the Jordan Tourism Board, we want to empower local communities, spread tourism dollars all over the country where it's needed most, and lead with purpose. Hosting GX here in Jordan is extremely important to us. Jordan teaches us that travel transforms us and transforms places and connects people. That is what tourism is about for us, it is our DNA.”   GX Jordan was not only a celebration of community tourism, but also a fundraiser. Through the combined efforts of attendees and initiatives across the entire G Travel Community (GTC), a total of more than £480,000 was raised in support of Planeterra. This also included a generous grant from the Iron Horse Foundation, underscoring the commitment across our partners to ensure tourism directly benefits local people and places across the world.   National Geographic Signature with G Adventures    With over 10 years of exploration together, G Adventures and National Geographic Expeditions announced their new venture together into the high-end travel market with the introduction of National Geographic Signature with G Adventures.   With bookings officially launching in January 2026 and with first departures in January 2027, this bold new travel style will forge its own path in the market, leaning on National Geographic’s expertise in education and G Adventures’ leadership in the community tourism space, while offering unrivalled access to world-leading experts.   Lando South America   Having revolutionised overland travel in Africa with the introduction of its innovative, custom-built Lando vehicles in 2016, G Adventures is set to bring the same spirit of innovation to South America with the launch of Lando South America in 2026. Designed for travellers who value the journey as much as the destination, the new fleet will open up roads less travelled and unlock access to remote corners of the continent. With new itineraries across Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador, Chile, Bolivia and Peru, adventurers will discover deserts, cloud forests, colonial towns, soaring mountains and lush jungles as well as new corners of the Continent, only accessible by road. Lando South America will officially go on sale in early 2026, with first departures later in the year.   Global Ambassador Programme   During the World Community Tourism Summit, Bruce Poon Tip stepped onto stage to announce the launch of G Adventures’ very first Global Ambassador programme. In celebration of 35 years of changing lives through travel, the programme launches with an extraordinary trio of inaugural ambassadors: Dr. Jane Goodall, world-renowned ethologist and conservationist; Tony Wheeler, co-founder of Lonely Planet and pioneer of modern independent travel; and Delfin Pauchi Uhigua, an Indigenous leader from the Amazon whose community-driven initiatives showcase the transformative power of grassroots leadership.   “Our Global Ambassadors are trailblazers; bold, inspiring individuals who embody our values and share our belief that travel has the power to transform lives,” says Bruce Poon Tip. “Unlike other ambassador programmes, which focus solely on individuals with large audiences, our Global Ambassadors are hand-selected based on the genuine impact they have created in the world and within their own communities. Some may be globally recognised leaders, while others may be inspiring figures making a difference in a single small village in the Amazon, what unites them is their purpose, authenticity, and ability to spark change”, he adds.   Communityship: Lessons from the Universe and the Business of Everyone    Bruce Poon Tip announced his groundbreaking new book, Communityship: Lessons from the Universe and the Business of Everyone. With a foreword by world-renowned conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall DBE, and available for pre-sale now and to buy in February 2026, the book introduces a new business philosophy of communityship, where purpose and people drive profit. Blending the best of a business guide with the inspiration of a lifestyle manifesto, Communityship argues that true progress doesn’t come from leadership alone, but from the collective strength of communities. Through a series of inspiring and personal stories, the book reveals how this collective culture of shared responsibility, trust and compassion can help any company overcome adversity and thrive.   Travel Your Heart Out - a new era for G Adventures   In celebration of 35 years of changing lives through travel, Bruce Poon Tip unveiled G Adventures’ bold new brand positioning: Travel your heart out.   “This isn’t a pivot. It’s a pulse check. A reminder of who G Adventures has always been - a company built on connection, community, and changing lives through travel,” Poon Tip said.   “We know our greatest power is our community of communities around the world. While other travel companies talk about themselves and what they do, Travel your heart out is a call to action to give travel, and life, everything you’ve got and to leave the world better than when you found it”.   Trees for Days   Jamie Sweeting, President of Planeterra announced that over five million trees will be growing by the end of 2025 as part of the Trees for Days initiative which sees a tree planted for each day a traveller is on a G Adventures trip, working with 20 different community tourism organisations. The initiative was first launched in 2023 at GX Peru. At GX Jordan, more than 3,300 trees will be grown through the Trees for Days initiative on behalf of attendees.   GX 2026 heads to Morocco   The day wrapped-up with the announcement of the host destination for the next GX Summit, which will be held in Morocco in September 2026, in partnership with Visit Morocco.   Meryem Bennouna, Director UK, Ireland & Nordics at the Moroccan National Tourism Office says: “We are proud to welcome GX to Morocco in 2026.  It is a unique opportunity to showcase our country’s diversity, creativity and hospitality to the global travel community. GX is about connection, inspiration and community - values that are at the heart of Morocco’s tourism vision as we look ahead to 2030.”  

For more information on GX, please visit: https://gx.gadventures.com/.   

 

New destinations include South Korea, The Stans, China, Egypt and Portugal

  G Adventures and National Geographic Expeditions are offering curious travellers new ways to explore the world, with the addition of 14 small-group adventures to the portfolio of National Geographic trips with G Adventures, taking the collection to 106 trips in 59 destinations. 12 new ‘National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures’ trips will include exciting new destinations, including China, South Korea, and the Stans as well as expanded itineraries in mainland Greece, the Greek islands, The Balkans and Mexico’s popular Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead) festival. Two new ‘National Geographic Family Journeys with G Adventures’ trips will take families to Egypt and Portugal for the first time, with first departures for both travel styles starting from April 2026.   The National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures trips range from eight to longer 23-day itineraries that invite travellers to go beyond the guidebook and connect deeply with the people and places they visit. Celebrating National Geographic’s legacy of science, exploration, education and storytelling, every trip will offer hands-on experiences while also supporting G Adventures’ community tourism mission, providing travelers with the opportunity to connect with local communities in a meaningful way.   Highlight experiences include visiting the mystical submerged forests in Kazakhstan’s Kaindy Lake, sharing traditional meals with Kyrgyz nomads and Tajik breadmakers in rural villages, visiting South Korea’s Haenyeo women divers on Jeju Island, some of whom are in their eighties and freedive up to 10m for shellfish, hiking China’s Zhangjiajie National Park and bamboo rafting through Yangshuo, and experiencing the glowing altars, lively parades, and candlelit cemeteries during Mexico’s famous Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead).   The new National Geographic Family Journeys are designed for parents, children and extended families who value time together. Activities are curated to be enjoyed by everyone in the family, with each trip featuring hands-on learning, from interactive food tours and cruises along the Nile in Egypt, to surf lessons and e-bike adventures in Portugal.   “We’re celebrating 10 years of collaboration with our friends at National Geographic Expeditions and are delighted to be embarking on another ten-year journey of adventures together. What started as a shared vision and an opportunity in the group travel market, has grown into a collection of truly life-changing experiences, whose positive ripple effects can be felt by local people, wildlife and destinations all around the world, says Ben Perlo, chief executive officer at G Adventures.   “These new trips not only allow travellers to visit some of the world’s most culturally rich and diverse regions of the world, while opening the door to meaningful exploration, where travellers can spend time with and positively impact local communities, while creating life-long memories with loved ones,” Perlo adds.   Journeys: Day of the Dead in San Miguel de Allende This unique six-day itinerary runs from 30 October to 4 November, and transports travelers into the heart of one of the world’s most incredible celebrations - Mexico’s soul-stirring Día de Muertos.   Journeys: Echoes of the Silk Road This 23-day overland takes travelers on a journey through Central Asia, uncovering the rich heritage of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan - a region shaped for centuries by Silk Road trade, spiritual traditions, and sweeping cultural exchange.   Journeys: Soul of South Korea This nine-day adventure sees travelers journeying through South Korea’s vibrant contrasts, where ancient traditions meet cutting-edge cities and serene islands, with visits to rural villages, buzzing metropolis and interaction with local communities.   Journeys: Pandas & The Peaks of Zhangjiajie Celebrating China’s diverse regions and landscapes, this 10-day adventure includes natural wonders in national parks, visiting a giant panda research centre in Chengdu and a traditional rafting experience on the Li River.   Family Journey Portugal: Lisbon to the Algarve Storybook palaces, golden beaches, seaside villages and the colourful streets of Lisbon - this new eight-day adventure sets the scene for a fun and immersive family experience.   Egypt Family Journey: Ancient Pyramids and the Mighty Nile  This nine-day adventure brings the wonders of ancient Egypt to life; from the towering pyramids where families can puzzle over hieroglyphics in secret tombs, to historic temples, explained to families by their expert guides on a Nile river cruise.   For more information visit https://www.gadventures.com/travel-styles/national-geographic-journeys/

G Adventures is adding dozens of new trips for young travellers. It has released 38 new trips to its 18-to-Thirtysomethings travel style. The launch includes brand new destinations for this travel style, including Panama, Patagonia, Central Asia and the first stand-alone trip in Belize. The expansion also includes itineraries in existing favourites, including India and Indonesia, offering fresh ways to visit these countries. These are affordable, high-impact adventures with authentic experiences. “We’ve seen that this demographic craves dynamic, activity-packed trips and cultural thrills, and that they spend a lot of time using and getting inspired by TikTok and Instagram,” said Yves Marceau, VP of product at G Adventures. “We’re also seeing that 76% of travellers booking 18-to-Thirtysomethings trips are solo travellers, and they really appreciate the social aspect and security that comes with a group.” New destinations include:  Patagonia: Turquoise Lakes & Torres del Paine starts from £2,099pp. Island-hopping and Sailing Belize: Beach Days & Starry Night starts from £819pp The Stans: The Ultimate Adventure through the Silk Road starts from £2,799 Panama: Sandy Beaches & San Blas Sunsets starts from £699

UK travel industry professionals have returned from a trek through Peru’s remote Andes, raising more than £27,000 as part of G Adventures’ fourth annual ‘G Trek for Good’ initiative. This year’s trek took 21 travel industry members to the ancient Inca site of Choquequirao, involving five days of high-altitude hiking. They trekked through one of the world’s deepest river canyons. Funds raised will be split equally between Planeterra, G Adventures’ non-profit partner that supports community tourism projects globally, and ABTA LifeLine, which provides financial and emotional support to UK travel industry colleagues. Brian Young, Managing Director EMEA at G Adventures, said: “Choquequirao is one of the most challenging and rewarding treks in South America. Our group pushed themselves beyond their limits for an important cause.” “G Trek for Good is about creating lasting impact, both for our trekkers and for the communities we support.” Previous treks have taken place in Colombia’s Lost City, Morocco’s Mount Toubkal, and Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro. Since launching in 2019, the initiative has raised over £165,000, making it a key annual event in the UK travel trade calendar. Trudie Clements, Director at ABTA LifeLine, added: “The stories we hear from those we support are often heartbreaking. The funds raised by G Trek for Good allow us to continue showing up for them when no one else can.” Plans are already underway for G Trek for Good 2026, with the next destination to be announced later this year. Industry members interested in taking part can register by emailing: [email protected].

 

The new adventures explore two unsung nations in Eastern Europe

  Continuing its commitment to making travel a force for good while offering travellers new ways to explore the world, adventure travel and community tourism pioneer, G Adventures, is excited to be launching three new trips in Eastern Europe, an often overlooked part of the world. The first is to Moldova, an entirely new destination for the small-group adventure company, and one that is often bypassed by other operators. The second is a standalone trip to Romania, with time in one of the last truly untouched parts of Europe. When combined, the trips create an epic 14-day-long Eastern European adventure through two unsung nations.   The new trips represent everything G Adventures strives to achieve with its innovative tourism development, by supporting locals, often in under celebrated countries or regions, by building meaningful relationships that directly benefit the communities that are visited.   Yves Marceau, Vice President of Product at G Adventures said. “These are two really exciting and beautiful parts of the world that remain under the radar for tourists. Here at G Adventures, we are committed to ensuring that our product and travellers bring benefit to local communities by bringing them into the conversation and our supply chain from the beginning. These trips are a fantastic example of tourism done right – where travellers can have real cultural experiences and build connections with local communities, who are welcoming tourism with open arms. Each itinerary is designed to take travellers to places that don’t experience overcrowding but with so much to offer, from incredible landscapes and wildlife to food, wine, history and tranquility.”   Moldova Discovery   The first trip in the region is a seven-day journey through Moldova, starting with time appreciating the architecture and parks of Chisinau, Moldova’s little-known capital, wine tasting in a vast 160km underground limestone cave, plus peaceful moments soaking up the serenity of Monastery of Saharna, which is surrounded by the forests and waterfalls of the Nistru river. The group will then visit Fromage - Made In Moldova, a project that blends tradition with sustainability while supporting disadvantaged families in the village of Horodiște, Rezina, to learn about the production of 100% natural, chemical-free cheeses, with an all-important tasting to follow.   The group will hike to Trebujeni village, taking in the natural beauty and birdlife of the River Raut valley and the archaeological complex of Old Orhei, which has recently been included on the UNESCO Tentative List of World Cultural Heritage, before a cooking masterclass at a traditional agro-pension, where the group will learn to prepare ‘Placinte’, a traditional pastry. A visit to Gagauzia offers a real immersion in history with its Soviet-era and Orthodox Christian buildings, and the group will even get to take part in the recreation of a traditional wedding ceremony in the hall of the National Gagauz History and Ethnographic Museum, before a local lunch with wine pairing in the heart of Gagauzia’s wine region. Priced from £1099* pp with departures from April 2026.   Highlights of Romania & the Danube Delta   The new eight-day trip through neighbouring Romania is a celebration of one of Europe's last truly wild places. The group will travel from Bucharest to the Transylvania region on a day of castle exploration, from the iconic Peles castle to the medieval Bran Castle, made famous by Bram Stoker’s novel, Count Dracula. There’s free time to stroll Medieval Bran before heading into the undiscovered Buzau region of Romania for a visit to the Berca Mud volcanoes – a geological marvel of petit volcano-shaped structures. Then it’s on to the Danube Delta, where the group will travel by boat to the remote village of Mila 23, which is only accessible by water. Travellers will relax in a local guest house, tuck into a home-cooked meal, before a day exploring the area’s web of canals, lakes and reed beds that’s home to pelicans, herons, egrets and more. Hearing first hand from the local Lipovan community, the group will learn about the importance of the ecosystem and the traditions that are alive and well here. The trip culminates with a relaxing day on the wild beach of Sulina, where lucky travellers may catch a glimpse of the elusive wild horses that roam here. Priced from £1379* pp with departures from April 2026.   Heart of the East: Romania & Moldova Adventure   A 14-day trip through Romania and Moldova featuring the experiences detailed above. Priced from £2599* pp with departures from April 2026.

G Adventures has grown its UK sales team with the hire of Anthony McIntyre as a Global Purpose Specialist (GPS). He will be responsible for business development and key accounts in the North West and surrounding areas of the UK. The appointment follows G Adventures’ commitment to ensuring agents have a dedicated GPS in their area He joins G Adventures with over a decade of customer service focused experience in the travel industry, working in the UK and abroad in varied roles. He served as a team manager at Tui Group and most recently at Thomas Cook, managing a 24/7 team across the country that handled customer issues. “We're excited to welcome Anthony to the team. He brings with him over a decade of experience in the travel industry. His track record of driving results and building trust makes him a fantastic fit.” said Stu Darnley, National Sales Manager at G Adventures. McIntyre has travelled extensively and lived in Mexico, Thailand, Spain and Greece. “I wanted to join G Adventures because making a difference to people’s holidays - helping them discover new experiences and places - is such a rewarding part of my work,” he said. “I’m excited to contribute to G Adventures’ strong performance and position as the best in the business, and I can’t wait to start meeting agents.”