TORONTO — Katy Rockett is a familiar name in the Canadian travel industry.
And as the new Regional Director for North America for Explore Worldwide, it’s now part of Rockett’s job to make sure the small group adventure travel specialist is a familiar one for Canadian travel advisors.
Rockett joined Explore Worldwide earlier this year. She arrived at the company with 15+ years of experience in adventure travel, coming directly from General Manager and Director of Growth roles at Exodus Travels, and having previously held senior marketing positions with both Exodus and Intrepid Travel.
If you’ve never sold an Explore Worldwide trip, the company offers small group adventures all over the world, and has been around for more than 40 years.
A trip of a lifetime with Explore Worldwide
“WE’VE SEEN HIGH GROWTH IN DEMAND”
We asked Rockett about Explore Worldwide’s profile in Canada – both with travellers, and travel agents.
“We’ve seen high growth in demand from the Canadian market,” she told Travelweek. “The product really resonates with Canadian travellers who are increasingly seeking opportunities to get beyond the tour bus and enrich their travels by being fully immersed in the cultures and destinations they’re visiting.
Travel agents have already proven integral to and supportive of Explore Worldwide’s increased presence in the Canadian market, she added. That will only continue: “We have a dedicated focus on growing our profile in Canada and working closely with the travel agent community.”
So what parts of the world does Explore Worldwide offer? Just about all of them, as it turns out. Says Rockett: “Explore has an extensive range of small group adventures available, offering over 350 multi-day tours in more than 100 countries worldwide.”
A variety of trip styles are designed to suit many interests, including cultural discovery, walking and hiking, cycling, wildlife, and food & drink tours.
Cycling in Vietnam with Explore Worldwide
Rockett says each trip has an activity grading to allow advisors to work with their clients to select a trip that is best suited to their desired level of activity during their travels. Plus, all tours “are accompanied by an expert leader who brings local knowledge and a passion for their region, along with unique insights which provide a new depth of appreciation and understanding while you travel.”
NOT ALL SMALL GROUP TOURS ARE CREATED EQUAL
We also asked Rockett about the Explore Worldwide difference. What sets it apart from its competitors? “Not all ‘small group’ tours are created equal and our group sizes are purposely kept small, averaging 11 travellers on most tours,” she says.
It’s a sweet spot: “Big enough to meet like-minded people but small enough to get into the heart of a destination.”
She also says Explore Worldwide’s tours offer a perfect balance between taking in the classic must-see sights and experiencing local hidden gems.
Plus, “we know that booking a trip comes with great joy and excitement, which is why we have guaranteed all departures, so your clients can relax in the knowledge that once they’ve selected their trip and paid their deposit, they’re good to go!”
At its core Explore Worldwide is a responsible company, recently earning recognition as a certified B Corp. “Our sustainable approach and flexible booking policies really set us apart,” says Rockett.
ADVENTURERS AT HEART
Rockett says that in her years in the Canadian travel industry, she’s seen how Canadians are adventurers at heart. “As a diverse country, there is this deep-set appreciation for the myriad cultures of our world and an understanding of how enriching it can be to gain first-hand experience of local perspectives while travelling. This means Canadians are increasingly seeking opportunities to get more out of their vacations.”
Among the trending travel styles, the demand for solo travel is soaring. Says Rockett: “More people, particularly solo females, are recognizing how empowering it can be to travel independently, and small group tours are the ideal option as they provide the safety, security and companionship of built-in travelling companions and an expert leader, while still offering flexibility and independence throughout the trip.”
Solo travellers are paired with someone of the same gender or have the option to pay a single supplement to enjoy their own room throughout the trip, she adds.
A scenic trek along Italy’s Amalfi Coast
THE BEST BLEND OF STRUCTURE & FREEDOM
We asked Rockett what agents (and their clients) should keep in mind about small group adventure travel.
“Small groups are a great way to experience the world with people united by curiosity and an interest in authentic travel experiences,” she says, adding that small group travel also offers “the optimal blend of planned activities coupled with the freedom and flexibility to experience the destination how you want.”
How can agents learn more about Explore Worldwide? The full portfolio of tour options can be found at exploreworldwide.ca. There’s also a brand new brochure. Agents looking to stay up-to-date on Explore Worldwide’s latest events, products and offers, can subscribe to the newsletter. Or just pick up the phone. “Give us a call – we love to chat travel so if you have clients who you think would be a great fit, feel free to reach out by phone at 1-888-729-9353 and we can answer all your questions,” says Rockett.
