Tailor-made Europe travel specialist Weka Travel is expanding into touring and the South East Asia market as the company reports growing demand from Kiwi agents and brokers.
Company founder Josh Loughnan attributes the growth to Weka’s ability to offer complex itineraries (including over the increasingly popular shoulder season when it can be tricky to accommodate client requests) coupled with a growing demand for private drivers. Agents using Weka’s service also cite its app, which allows both Weka and the consultant to keep an eye out for any disrupts, as a key selling point. Now Loughnan is set to use that same proven model to expand to South East Asia, launching Weka Small Group Journeys.
. . . ItineraryShoulder season demand drives Weka’s private driver and touring growth..
The program starts with a one-off Bali tour in Apr which is designed to connect travellers with the ‘real Bali’. “Our guests don’t want to rush through hotspots,” says Loughnan. “They want experiences that feel alive, food that tells a story, moments that feel intimate, and time to truly connect with the people and landscapes they’ve travelled so far to meet.” The seven-day commissionable tour includes stays at river-side Fivelements Retreat Bali which offers plant-based cuisine, healing rituals, yoga and rest, and the open air villas of Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape. Highlights include foraging with Balinese chefs, cooking classes, botanical mixology workshops, daily wellness practices, yoga and encounters with locals.
The trip will be co-hosted by travel writer Anna King-Shahab and there is a maximum of 15 people. The trip, departing 26 Apr, is priced from $9985pp double share or $4547pp single supplement. See details HERE.
