Wholesale custom tour operator Avanti Destinations anticipates a 30% increase in its custom groups department for 2024, with a significant portion of bookings coming from repeat clients.
To support advisors in expanding their groups business, Avanti has launched a new Groups webpage on the company’s travel advisor portal, featuring 10 sample group itineraries spanning various segments of group travel such as special interest groups, educational groups, sports fans, corporate groups, and spiritual and religious groups.
Avanti initiated its custom groups department in fall 2018, catering to groups of 10 or more passengers. The business unit operates from its headquarters in the Seattle area, with additional offices in Munich and Barcelona.
Ricarda Haeger, director of group sales and operations at Avanti, highlighted the company's success and emphasized the importance of advisors considering group travel in their business models. She noted that almost all advisors who have booked a group with Avanti previously return for more group itineraries.
“We had a very successful year in 2023, and we expect continued growth over that this year,” she said. “One important measure of our success is the fact that almost all the advisors who have booked one group with us in the past come back for more group itineraries.”
“This is one of the major reasons why advisors who have not yet expanded their business model to include groups should strongly consider it,” she added. “Not only do advisors make more income on an itinerary for 10 or more passengers than they do for couples or individuals, without needing to do 10 times the work, but when a group has a wonderful experience, the same group is highly likely to return to that advisor, not only as a group, but also as independent travelers. As many advisors tell us, there is a growing trend toward people wanting to share their travel experiences with other people.”
Not only do advisors make more income on an itinerary for 10 or more passengers than they do for couples or individuals, without needing to do 10 times the work, but when a group has a wonderful experience, the same group is highly likely to return to that advisor.
Haeger explained that Avanti’s Groups department tailors each itinerary uniquely to suit the group’s interests, budgets, timeframes, and accommodation preferences. The department handles both pre-formed groups and affinity groups, with a focus on inspiring, attracting, and motivating group members.
The new group itineraries showcased on Avanti's webpage offer diverse experiences, ranging from culinary tours to historical explorations. Haeger emphasized the importance of balance between organized activities and free time in group tours.
Group Travel Trends
Notable trends in group travel, according to Avanti, include a preference for smaller group sizes, averaging 18 passengers, and an average itinerary length of eight days. Avanti’s offerings encompass destinations worldwide, with accommodations ranging from boutique properties to spa resorts and castles.
The Groups department at Avanti prides itself on attention to detail, experienced staff, and fast response times, aiming to provide advisors with a trusted partner for group travel planning.
Editor’s Note: This article was generated by AI, based on a press release distributed by Avanti Destinations.
