Insight Vacations unveils 2022 Worldwide programme
As Insight Vacations unveiled its 2022 Worldwide programme, Angela Sloan, acting head of sales, spoke to the Association of Touring and Adventure Suppliers about what’s new for next year and what trends she is seeing.
Q. What’s new in Insight Vacations’ 2022 Worldwide programme?
A. We have some fantastic new trips for 2022, for example the Best of California, which is Insight Vacations’ first ever trip based significantly around train travel, taking the Pacific Surfliner train up the west coast.
We also have a new trip in Canada – the Spectacular Glaciers and Rockies of Alberta – taking in the amazing mountains, gorges, lakes and forests of Alberta, with incredible accommodation including a stay in the Glacier View Lodge in Jasper National Park.
We are also excited for our first Latin America trips to depart in 2022, featuring three fantastic itineraries exploring the landscapes, culture and cuisine of Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Peru.
And, above all, we are thrilled that we now have at least one of our award-winning MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences on every worldwide tour, enabling guest to make a positive impact on the destinations and communities we visit.
These experiences have just been recognised as a Gold winner for ‘Growing the Local Economic Benefit’ at the WTM Responsible Tourism Awards, another great endorsement of the power and value of these experiences.
Q. What destinations do you expect to see be big sellers in 2022?
A. Now the USA has opened its borders, our USA and Canada programme is proving to be as popular as ever, as they are destinations that lend themselves brilliantly to touring.
There’s a lot of interest in our Best of California trip, as well as classics like the national parks itineraries, New England Fall Foliage, Boston and Cape Cod and more.
The Rockies and Canada have also always been big sellers, so the new Alberta trip will be a big draw for its stunning scenery and exclusive experiences.
We are also seeing our Dalmatian Elegance really taking off. It’s an inclusive nine-night tour and cruise down Croatia’s coastline enjoying sparkling seas, national parks and fantastic fresh seafood served with crisp local wines.”
Q. What trends are you seeing post-pandemic, and what are your guests looking for most?
A. Premium travel is a big trend for 2022. There has never been a better time to go (and sell!) guided, as guests want to travel again in comfort and style, and be really looked after as they go, which means there’s a real opportunity for brands and agents to sell an upgraded touring product.
There’s also a trend for travelling in smaller groups, and we are seeing an increase in people booking longer trips, better rooms, adding pre- and post- trip nights to extend their trip as they make up for lost time on their next holiday.
Q. What has struck you most about being part of the touring world since adding Insight Vacations to your remit earlier this year?
A. Working on sister brand Uniworld Boutique River Cruises as well, I have really appreciated the synergy between touring and river cruising.
We are appealing to the same kind of customers, in a similar demographic and with a passion for understanding and experiencing destinations in an immersive way.
And they will pay a premium to be looked after to a very high standard, so there’s lots of opportunity for agents to cross-sell.
Q. Which of Insight Vacations’ trips gets your personal vote for a holiday next year?
A. Personally, I am a big fan of our Italian trips, from the eight-day Italian Intermezzo tour which takes in the showstoppers to our longer Country Roads trips which are deeper explorations into the different regions.
On all our trips that go to Rome, guests receive priority entry to the Vatican City, and enjoy a private dinner in the Pope’s Secret Garden, which is something very special.
