Collette reports that that large bounce back in travel it experienced throughout 2022 as the industry emerged from COVID-19 pandemic has continued into this year, at that same time resulting in new trending destinations as more countries return to travel norms and travellers continue to polish up their bucket lists
North America’s longest-running tour operator says its clients are flocking to Africa, Australia, Japan, and South America.
“They’re all selling well,” said Collette CEO Dan Sullivan Jr. “Japan’s come back after recently opening up again, so has the South Pacific. Iceland, Ireland, and Italy are all selling great, and the Patagonias of the world too. We’re getting strong demand pretty much across the board.”
Sullivan adds that travellers are showing a desire to go on their bucket list trips, after being stuck inside for the better part of three years.
“Clients, because they haven’t travelled in three years, have more money to travel, to spend, and they’re doing that,” he says. “They’re saying I want to go on a trip of a lifetime and have that bucket list trip.”
Top-selling tours this year for the Rhode Island-based tour operator, which has a Canadian team based in Mississauga, includes the “Best of Italy” small group offering, which gives participants multiple opportunities to decide how they’d like to experience the country, such as relaxing in their hotel with a wine-infused mud treatment or spending the day in Ravenna for a guided tour of its mosaics.
The tour operator also reports “excellent” reviews on its “Colours of Morocco” offering, with 85% of guests reacting positively to the 15-day tour across the North African country.
Diana Ditto, sr. director of product marketing, touts Collette’s 13-day, 12-night “Costa Rica: A World of Nature” small group tour, stating, “The incredible experiences in Tortuguero National Park truly set this tour apart.”
While another trending product in 2023 is southern Africa, according to Collette exec Jeff Roy, who explains that the opportunity to combine wildlife with rich culture has travellers flocking to the continent.
Collette notes that travellers can book with confidence by adding a Travel Protection Plan that offers a full money-back refund if they need to cancel up to 24 hours before departure. Travel advisors will also earn advanced commission.