North America
Great Freedom Adventures is announcing its list of summer bike tours of New England, including New York’s Hudson River Valley and Block Island.
Caribbean
The Villa Experience by Travel Impressions is offering a complimentary car rental and a free night when booking a minimum of five nights in a St. Martin villa.
Africa
African Travel has joined efforts with the Botswana Tourism Organization to promote the Lion Genetics Project. The Last Lions Package is priced at $6,975 per person.
Europe
Travel Bound is launching a new scholar-led private walking tour in Istanbul featuring the Ottoman architecture of the region.
Asia
Pacific Delight Tours is offering a 13-day Southeast Asia itinerary with visits to Hanoi, Siem Reap and Bangkok for $2,299 per person, excluding airfare.
Traveling Solo
With more luxury travelers leaving friends and family behind and embarking on independent trips, Abercrombie & Kent has chosen to cater to this crowd. The company is offering solo travelers significant savings by waiving the single supplement or significantly reducing the costs on select itineraries.
"Small group escorted travel is a natural fit for solo travelers,” said Scott Wiseman, president of Abercrombie & Kent USA. “Not only does it allow solo guests the ability to share the experience of exploring a destination with other like-minded travelers but, at the end of each day, they are able to enjoy the privacy of their own accommodations."
Among the 13 destinations offered in the Solo Savings program, the Snows of Kilimanjaro 11-day itinerary waives the single supplement fee and allows clients to ascend Africa’s highest mountain and enjoy the flora and fauna along the way for $5,340. Other destinations available at significantly reduced prices include China, Turkey, Egypt and more.
www.abercrombiekent.com/solotravel
New Trips for Active Families
Three new family adventures have been added to Austin-Lehman Adventures’ lineup for 2011. These national park vacations to Yosemite, Bryce Canyon/Zion and Arches are ideal for active families with children ages 7 and up.
“National Park vacations have always been a major part of our offerings,” said Dan Austin, founding director of Austin-Lehman Adventures. “It is clear the national parks of the West continue to be iconic destinations on everyone’s wish list.”
Utah’s Bryce/Zion Family Vacation departs from June to August and lets families experience waterfalls, natural springs and a sunset bike ride through Snow Canyon State Park. Rates are $1,998 per person, based on double occupancy, and between $1,598 and $1,798 for children.
The Arches to Moab Family Vacation is available in June and includes rafting, biking and an introduction to the rituals and customs of the native communities of the region. Rates begin at $2,398 per person, based on double occupancy. Children can travel for a rate between $1,918 and $2,158.
www.austinlehman.com
Small Groups are Big Business with Globus
Globus Family of Brands is encouraging its home-based agents to significantly expand efforts for group travel. During Globus’ annual home-based symposium, the tour operator discussed challenges and opportunities for marketing toward small groups.
“We’re offering our home-based agents, who we know sell groups, unparalleled earning potential,” said Jennifer Halboth, direct of marketing for the Globus Family of Brands. “It only takes eight travelers to make a group with Globus. And, in addition to offering the opportunity to earn up to 17 percent on commission, plus 5 percent on airfare, we are giving agents a special bonus of up to $500 when they book 2012 groups with us.”
As a part of its new sales efforts, Globus is allowing agents to reward their clients with free trips when they bring in eight other travelers.
www.globusathome.com
