Experts share their selling tips for how to find national park escorted touring holidays for your clients
Persuading clients to visit a national park doesn’t require a hard sell – the benefits are evident in every glossy brochure or tantalising social media post. But why should they choose an escorted tour, rather than taking a trip independently?
For starters, there’s the guide’s expertise. “National parks are often big and can see m overwhelming,” says Anina Grasso, director of travel experiences development on behalf of The Travel Corporation tour brands in the US.
“Our team ensures guests see the best views and visit the most amazing spots. We also include local specialists, such as our geology expert at Grand Canyon National Park, or meeting a climber inside Yosemite.”
A guide is key in non-English speaking destinations, as James Mundy, PR and partnerships manager at Inside Japan, emphasises. “The tours head into parts of the country where not much English is spoken and without English signs.
Our guides’ cultural knowledge and fluent Japanese gets guests deeper beneath the surface than if travelling independently.” US national parks increasingly require visitors to buy timed-entry tickets, which means extensive planning ahead of the trip.
A guide is key in non-English speaking destinations
Intrepid Travel recommends a group tour for avoiding this hassle. Escorted tours also have extra benefits for those travelling solo, according to Just You’s sales director Sarah Weetman.
“We have had so many customers saying that when they first saw the Grand Canyon it took their breath away, and it was wonderful to share the moment with others.”
So with selling the touring aspect of the visit out of the way, we’ve asked three experts for their tips on selling national park tours for three very different clients.
Families
A family is looking for a national park tour that will be accessible and fun for the kids.
Dyan McKie, family product manager at Intrepid Travel, says:
“National parks are perfect for family holidays. Kids will be in awe of the scenery and they can become explorers, run free and learn about the natural world along the way. A group tour makes the most of their time without having to worry about logistics, and gives the kids playmates to explore with.
“There’s no better place than Yellowstone National Park to take the kids into nature and discover the abundant wildlife, from buffalo herds to grizzly bears. Kids will love our wolf-tracking experience, where we meet a naturalist guide who knows the best places to spot the animals.
“Grand Teton National Park is Wyoming’s lesser-known park but offers stunning scenery and kid-friendly hikes. Take a walk to Inspiration Point for outstanding views or enjoy a scenic stroll around the glacial Jenny Lake.
“Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park in Utah are also amazing for families. Kids will love the weird and wonderful collection of sandstone spires known as hoodoos. And don’t miss the Big Water Dinosaur Centre with its real dinosaur relics!”
Mature travellers
An older couple are looking to visit wildlife-rich national parks and stay in luxurious accommodation.
Candice Buchan, Africa product and sales manager at Rainbow Tours, says:
“South Africa’s Kruger National Park is guaranteed to offer memorable wildlife encounters. “There are plenty of luxurious lodges and tented camps offering thrilling game drives and nature walks with knowledgeable guides, plus excellent dining and comfortable accommodation.
“Some of our most popular itineraries combine a safari experience in Kruger National Park with time to discover Cape Town, drive the Garden Route or explore the Winelands.
“Alternatively, a luxury cruise around the Galapagos offers a completely different wildlife experience, with a variety of islands and landscapes to explore.
However, older clients should be aware that they will need to be sufficiently mobile to get on and off the cruise vessel and enjoy walks with expert naturalist guides.
“Depending on levels of fitness, water-based activities including kayaking and snorkelling are available too. Galapagos cruises can easily be combined with stays in historic Quito, where there is a choice of excellent luxury hotels too.”
Young couples
A young couple want an active trip so they can immerse themselves in the natural beauty of a national park.
Tom Wilkinson, senior product manager at Exodus Travel, says:
“With more than 500 tours in more than 90 countries, Exodus has so many options suited to active couples. Our tours are all rated with an activity level, making it easy to select a trip that will suit your client’s abilities.
“Many of our walking tours show off incredible scenery in national parks across the world. “On our Petra & Wadi Rum Trek, they could hike through the epic desert landscapes of Jordan, through canyons and over dunes, with some nights wild camping.
Or, on our Trekking Borneo & Beyond tour, they’ll spend days exploring the jungles of Taman Negara National Park and summitting Mount Kinabalu, southeast Asia’s highest peak.
“We also offer mixed-activity holidays with a variety of pursuits. Our Rainforest & Restful Retreats in Costa Rica would see guests river tubing down rapids on the Celeste River in Tenorio Volcano National Park, and ziplining through the canopy in Rincon de la Vieja National Park. This is one of our Exodus Edits trips, aimed at travellers in their 30s and 40s.”
PICTURES: Shutterstock/Rebvt, Dudarev Mikhail; Mike James.
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