Director Martin Johnson said “repeated requests” from trade partners eventually led to the operator taking a concerted look at developing a groups programme.

The multi-centre itineraries will span multiple countries and destinations, including Peru, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, Argentina, Chile, Brazil and Costa Rica.

Groups will be limited to 16 travellers per departure, with 29 annual departures – all guaranteed – available to agents to book upon launch. The programme will get under way in May 2020.

Latin Routes’ group tours feature its Make Your Day Individual concept allowing holidaymakers, on select days, to choose from three suggested excursions – at no extra cost – to customise their adventure.

These range from immersive cultural and gastronomic experiences to full-day hiking tours.

Groups will be led by a tour leader, with hand-picked local guides bringing knowledge and expertise to each excursion.

A new group tours brochure detailing the nine itineraries is available now from Tradegate.

“It was repeated requests from our valuable agent partners which made us initially look at developing a groups programme to Latin America,” said Johnson.

“Many agents who regularly used us for our truly individual holidays couldn’t understand why we didn’t also offer this type of holiday, and it soon became obvious this was a logical step for us.

“It wasn’t a decision we took lightly, and we have spent over 18 months researching, designing and testing every detail to ensure we are offering a strong proposition to agents and their clients.

“From days where clients can choose to make their day individual, to the accompaniment of an experienced tour leader throughout the holiday, we are confident our group holidays will exceed expectations and show off Latin America to a whole new market of Latin Routes clients.”