There’s no stopping Collette. Hot on the heels of its Travel Advisor Appreciation Party, and just days after it announced a new Growth Accelerator program for travel advisor partners, the company’s EVP, Global Business, Christian Leibl-Côté, connected with Travelweek for this Take 5. The focus? Collette’s modernized take on guided touring.

1. What can you tell us about how Collette designs its tours, and why is good tour design so important?

“Tour design is at the core of what we do, and it starts with understanding what travellers actually want to experience in a destination. We balance iconic highlights with meaningful local experiences and the right pacing, so guests feel immersed without feeling rushed. When a tour is designed well, everything has a way to flow and allows travellers to focus on enjoying the journey.”

2. Access is one of the many benefits of guided touring. What are some examples of hard‑to‑get access to key iconic sites that Collette offers, and what feedback do you hear from travellers?

“Guided touring allows us to unlock access that can be difficult for travellers to arrange on their own. We know that some of the best experiences are with local experts who bring a destination to life. In Italy, travellers will visit an olive oil farm that has been family owned for years. This isn’t something that is open to the public. We consistently hear from guests that these moments stand out most, because they offer a deeper level of connection and understanding. It is those experiences that turn a trip from memorable into truly meaningful.”

3. What are Canadian vacationers looking for right now from their global travels, and how does guided touring fit that ideal?

“Canadian travellers are increasingly looking for experiences that feel authentic, well organized, and worth their time. They want the ability to see the world confidently, while still having the opportunity to connect with local culture in a meaningful way. Guided touring brings all of that together by removing the stress of planning while delivering a deeper, more immersive travel experience.

4. Travellers often want to ‘live like a local.’ How does Collette bring a personal touch to tours and integrate local feedback?

“We work closely with in‑destination partners and local experts who help shape our itineraries based on what truly represents their community. That might mean cooking with a local family, visiting a small artisan workshop, or spending time in neighbourhoods that are not on a traditional tourist path. We also listen closely to guest and advisor feedback to continuously refine those experiences and make them even more meaningful over time.”

5. Travel can feel uncertain at times. What makes group touring with Collette an optimal mix of safety and independence?

“Group touring with Collette provides a strong foundation of support, with experienced Tour Managers and established partnerships in destination, so travellers always have guidance when they need it. At the same time, we build in free time and flexibility, allowing travellers to explore on their own and personalize their experience. It creates a balance where they feel both supported and independent throughout their journey.”

More information is available through Collette’s Travel Advisor Portal.

Lead image caption: Collette’s EVP, Global Business, Christian Leibl-Côté