Young travellers will be itching to explore after the pandemic. Follow Cathy Toogood’s tips on how to inspire bookings
Young people are keen to explore and make connections again after working and studying from home for much of the past two years. And in January, travellers aged 18-35 were among the top bookers with adventure operator, G Adventures. Here’s how to inspire youth bookings.
Promote social interaction: Young travellers want to socialise again, so talk about the fact that a tour is a great way to make new friends. “Highlight that your customers will be travelling with like-minded people of a similar age, who all share a passion for travel,” says Contiki’s sales and marketing director Donna Jeavons.
“Also promote the fact that your customers can avoid single supplements by buddying up with a fellow traveller of the same gender in a twin-share room. A great way to make friends.”
Mention the cool accommodation options: Accommodation on a tour is more than just a place to sleep – and that’s especially true in the case of G Adventures’ new Roamies collection for travellers aged 18-35, in partnership with Hostelworld.
“Each hostel is designed to foster connections and is selected from the crème de la crème of Hostelworld’s portfolio with great in-hostel experiences such as sunset yoga, beer pong, cooking classes and beach volleyball included,” says managing director of G Adventures, Brian Young.
As an example, Lub d Cambodia Siem Reap, included in its Cambodia trips, is in the heart of the action with an Instagram-worthy swim-up bar.
Emphasise the reassurance that comes with travelling as a group: Whether someone is embarking on their first solo trip or a client is nervous about going out into the world again, being part of a group with an experienced leader who will manage logistics is likely to inspire confidence in younger travellers.
Talk about the access to unique experiences a local expert can offer too, such as street food tasting in Marrakech on Intrepid’s Essential Morocco tour, for example.
Explain that tours can be flexible: While youth travellers may appreciate the expert touch, explain that there’s also flexibility on tours. “These travellers are independently minded and don’t want to be stuck on a ‘cookie cutter’ tour,” says Young.
“Roamies trips have been developed with plenty of free time and the flexibility to customise the days with a whole menu of optional activities from adrenaline-packed activities to relaxation and down time.”
Talk about positive change through travel: Young people are more aware than ever of the impact of holidays on the planet and local communities. “Talk to clients about ways their trip can have a positive impact, such as by visiting a community-based tourism project or a social enterprise that supports vulnerable groups,” says Joanna Reeve, head of trade sales for Intrepid Travel.
“These are a great way to get up close to local life and are often one of the highlights of the trip.”
Read more
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How to sell escorted tours to solo travellers
Exploring Morocco on a new premium tour with Intrepid Travel
