Out Adventures have been planning small-group escapes for the LGBTQ+ community since 2009, with itineraries offered in over 100 countries worldwide. Land tours are never larger than 16 guests, and the maximum for any cruise is just 40 people, which also allows for visits to destinations that larger vessels might not be able to reach. Typical travellers are 40-55 years old, from North America, and a mix of couples and singles.
The company supports the queer communities at each destination, even in less-than-gay-friendly countries, because they’re still able to enrich local lives and learn about their experiences. They work with international partners who go beyond gay-friendly and truly welcome the LGBTQ+ community, and they also regularly fundraise for local causes in Toronto, where their main office is located. For every guest on a scheduled group tour, the company donates $50 to Rainbow Railroad, a non-profit organization that helps resettle LGBTQ+ refugees.
Travel Industry Today caught up with Owner/Host, Robert Sharp, to learn more about Out Adventures.
What are some of the key destinations that you foresee your travellers heading to this year and beyond, both the top favourites, along with any new and emerging destinations?
We’re seeing a lot of traveller confidence in Europe, but we’re also seeing a slow and steady rebound across the board. Croatia is our top-selling destination, but we’re also seeing a lot of traction in Peru, Ecuador, South Africa, Morocco, Thailand, and believe it or not – Mongolia.
What are some of the key factors you look for when exploring a new destination offering?
Safety is always our top priority, and aside from that we always look to balance our new trip roster with destinations that LGBTQ+ people are always searching for, like Italy, but also destinations where we can really curate a unique adventure – like the Galapagos Islands, or Cambodia and Laos.
What are you most recent tour additions to your portfolio?
We recently launched our entire 2023 tour calendar, including cruises in France, Greece, and Tahiti. We also added new cultural tours in Mexico, and active trips in Costa Rica, and Tanzania, where we’ll climb Mount Kilimanjaro with an industrious group of travellers.
What are some of the things that make your tours unique and different to other small group gay tour operators worldwide?
Hands down, our value for money and attention to detail. We have the perfect mix of included meals and activities, while still allowing guests to break away from time-to-time without feeling they are missing out on something they’ve paid for. We also carefully choose our accommodations to ensure they are comfortable, locally owned where possible, and centrally located. Generally speaking they are around four-star, with a mix of unique overnight stays in desert camps and remote lodges to shake things up, and highlight the local culture.
As a company who has succeeded in their mandate, what are some of the key principles that you have followed since day one, and what have been some of your biggest challenges?
We always have, and always will put purpose ahead of profit. This goes back to the inception of the company, but has really been solidified as we’ve navigated the pandemic. I am incredibly proud of the work we’ve done to protect the health and safety of our clients, and to protect their travel investments.
Can you tell us about some your green initiatives and giving back locally protocols?
I wouldn’t say we have a green initiative, but we do strive to support the local LGBTQ+ communities through meaningful interaction in destinations where it’s safe to do so. For example, in Cuba we bring supplies for a local LGBT+ non-profit that fights for equality, and our groups have the opportunity to learn about their struggles during a meet-and-greet at a gay-run theatre in Havana.
You’ve been doing this for quite sometime now, can you tell us about some of your most memorable experiences that either yourself, or your clients have experienced?
Our first yacht charter in Croatia was a spectacular experience back in 2012, and set the stage for us to run small-ship cruises around the world, many of which are now our most popular tours. Also, it has been an absolute privilege to guide guests to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, and to Everest Base Camp. The camaraderie of doing such a physically challenging trip is unlike anything else.
From a personal perspective, what is your favourite go-to destination, whether it’s part of your company offering or entirely separate, and why?
From a company perspective, Croatia, Morocco, Peru, and Thailand are go-to destinations, and are some of our most popular. That said, Japan is one of my personal favourite international destinations. I absolutely love the culture, the food, and the endless opportunities to explore the country trip after trip.
Where in the world haven’t you been yet, but is on your bucket list, and why?
Believe it or not, I have not yet been to Spain. I would love to see the hustle and bustle of Madrid, then explore the culture of Barcelona, and of course the beaches of Sitges.
What’s one of your favourite Canadian destinations, and why?
I’m an Alberta boy by birth, so I feel most at home in the Rocky Mountains. I would love to continue to explore them as I get older. Closer to my home in Toronto I love, love, love Prince Edward County, or “The County” as locals refer to it. There is so much to offer LGBTQ+ travellers, including stunning boutique hotels, wineries, art galleries, top-notch cuisine, and of course nature.
Robert Sharp is co-founder and owner of Out Adventures, one of the world’s leading LGBT+ travel providers. The company offers 40+ tours and small-ship cruises in over 20 countries each year, with a mandate to support local LGBT+ business in the destinations they visit. Robert is an avid marketer, an inclusion and diversity specialist, and he co-hosts The Gay Travel Podcast.