Abercrombie & Kent has launched a new “trade-friendly” escorted touring programme for 2019/20 and has pledged to work more closely with the travel trade.
The operator has introduced a new touring style for next season, Immersive Journeys, which will sit alongside its existing range of luxury small group journeys.
Immersive Journeys are designed to offer a more leisurely, flexible approach touring, giving guests the chance to “get under the skin” of tour destinations.
All Abercrombie & Kent escorted tours feature tour directors and guides, guaranteed departures, welcome and farewell dinners and Wi-Fi, where possible.
Tours are limited to 18 guests at an average of 14 per trip and include all additional expenses such as entrance fees, taxes and tips.
To support the trade, Abercrombie & Kent has appointed a new programme manager for escorted tours, supported by two dedicated trade sales managers.
Managing director Kerry Golds said: “We’re continually on a quest to provide the best experiences to guests new and old with the trade in mind.
“We believe there is a gap in escorted touring which goes beyond the five-star, which is why we’ve launched our Immersive Journeys programme.
“We created it with the UK traveller in mind: no single supplement; guaranteed departures; and our unique Design your Day concept bring escorted touring to the modern, discerning traveller.
“We’ve consulted with our trade partners and listened to what their clients want. We’re excited for this new iteration of our escorted tour programme and to further work with the trade.”
Immersive Journeys offer travellers more freedom than regular tours. Trips are “in-depth and informative”, and give guests the chance to understand the culture and history of each stop.
They also include the operator’s Design Your Day concept, giving guests more freedom to enjoy the experiences of most interest to them at their own pace and steam.
There is no single supplement on the first four solo places and Abercrombie & Kent is offered reduced deposits of £250 on bookings before December 31.
Abercrombie & Kent’s escorted touring programme now features 13 Immersive Journeys travelling to 12 countries across five continents and 31 luxury small group journeys.