The Globus family of brands is challenging dated perceptions of land touring in its bid to ‘make touring sexy again’.
The company highlighted the evolution of its Globus and Cosmos touring products to the agents on board its training charter along the Rhine. Gone are the 10 countries in eight-day tours and one night hotel stays from decades ago; replaced with longer stays in the destinations and a choice of options to suit most tastes.
Excursions too have continued to evolve with a greater emphasis on local and authentic experiences.
The Globus tour portfolio now includes Small Group Discovery tours, catering for groups of up to 18 in Europe and 24 around the globe, and independent itineraries.
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In terms of land touring trends GFOB head of commercial Aust ralasia Brett Simon says a standout is its Canada Cosmos tours (pictured) that have been ‘going really, really strong’.
While Cosmos hasn’t traditionally been such a big seller—compared to Globus—in the Kiwi market, Simon says the brand is enjoying increased demand from New Zealand.
“[Cosmos] offers great value but also more flexibility for those who don’t want the full touring product. Most afternoons you’re going to have time to explore by yourself—or you still have the option to book an excursion. It gives peoples a lot more choice.”
Simon says the Cosmos product appeals to a younger demographic. “In New Zealand that sits at around the Gen X, that mid-50s to 60s.”
Agents are also encouraged to cross sell the GFOB portfolio. “Put [a land tour] in the mix with a cruise. Kiwis aren’t going to Europe for seven days and we are seeing more people combine a cruise with land touring and we can take care of all of the arrangements between the two for agents—whether that’s a train, a coach, a flight; we can arrange it all,” says Simon, who adds that agents can make one phone call ‘and earn commission on it all, too’.
GFOB offers more than 500 tours around the world, backed by 98 years of touring experience, extensive operational networks and long-serving staff.
