ON A ROLL: Collette immerses agents in new product line

12 NOV 2018: With “immersion” being the key concept behind its newly redeveloped Explorations line of touring, it only made sense that Collette would endeavour to immerse the trade in some of the experiences that travellers might discover on one of the 20-plus tours in the program.

From rolling their own truffles (Switzerland) to being decorated by a henna artist (India) and sampling regional food and drink specialities (Italy and Morocco) and pisco sours (Peru), close to 100 agents not only attended but participated in the unique event, held in downtown Toronto Nov. 10.

Collette CEO Dan Sullivan, who joined a full team of tour operator staff from both the Rhode Island head office and Canadian HQ in Mississauga at the launch, told his audience that the small group tour product has been “taking the market by storm” since being re-launched in August.

“Over the last 100 years, we’ve learned a lot about what works on tour and we’re excited to add this breath of product to Collette’s offerings,” he said at the time. “Whether it’s hunting for truffles in southern France, a home-hosted meal in Morocco, or an overnight in a glass igloo northern Finland, our guests can now connect to destinations in an entirely different way.”

He added to his audience in Toronto that the tours, which feature smaller groups, unique lodges and immersive experiences in such diverse destinations as Colombia, Vietnam, Iceland and South Africa, are both “perfectly paced” and offer plenty of free time for tour participants.

With a maximum group size of 19, tours are also designed to allow guests to discover the heart of a destination with a focus on hyper-local experiences, as well as culturally reflective accommodations and enhanced culinary offerings. Many tours include the choice-on-tour option where guests select the experience that appeals to their interest.

With the right balance of structure and freedom, and a dedication to destinations’ best experiences, Collette believes its refocussed Explorations line will be a winning product in the market, and one that agents, and their clients, will really immerse themselves in.