TORONTO — Collette is encouraging travel advisors to capitalize on growing demand for long-haul, bucket-list destinations by highlighting guided tours that simplify planning for clients.
The tour operator says more travellers are looking beyond traditional destinations in search of immersive experiences in places such as Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Namibia and South Africa. At the same time, planning complex long-haul itineraries can present challenges for both travellers and advisors due to language barriers, transportation logistics, lengthy travel times and unfamiliar customs.
“Travellers are increasingly seeking experiences that take them beyond what’s familiar to deepen their understanding of the world,” said Jaclyn Leibl-Cote, President and CEO of Collette. “The desire to explore is there, but the planning can feel complex. That’s where guided travel makes all the difference.”
Collette says its guided itineraries are designed to help advisors confidently recommend destinations that may otherwise seem intimidating by handling the logistics while providing local expertise and cultural experiences.
Among the featured itineraries are ‘Japan & South Korea: From Tokyo to Seoul’, which explores both countries through cultural encounters and local experiences; ‘Australia and New Zealand Uncovered’, featuring Indigenous and Māori experiences alongside iconic natural landscapes; and ‘Namibia & South Africa: Epic Landscapes & Wildlife’, which combines wildlife viewing with visits to some of southern Africa’s dramatic natural settings.
Beyond logistics, Collette says the tours emphasize authentic cultural connections, with experiences such as meeting Japan’s ama pearl divers, learning about Māori traditions in New Zealand and engaging with local communities across Africa and the South Pacific.
The company says these guided journeys provide advisors with an opportunity to introduce clients to destinations they may have previously considered too difficult to visit independently, while offering the support of expert tour management throughout the trip.
“Some of the most rewarding travel experiences happen when people step outside of what’s familiar,” Leibl-Cote added. “When travellers know they have expert support every step of the way, destinations that once felt intimidating suddenly become accessible.”
Travel advisors can find additional information through Collette’s Travel Advisor Portal and Travel Advisor Network.
Lead image caption: Collette in Korea
