A food tours specialist is urging UK agents to sell its products as the company outlines ambitious post-pandemic growth plans.
Secret Food Tours has changed its name to Secret Tours as it plans to offer a wider range of themed excursions such as history and adventure.
It has acquired three walking tours specialists in the US – Art Deco and Little Havana tours in Florida and Seattle Bites in Seattle – and plans to develop partnerships with cruise lines and hotel groups.
The company was founded by Oliver Mernick-Levene and Nico Jacquart in 2014, initially offering foodie tours in London and Paris.
Now it features tours in 60 cities across Europe, North America and Asia, catering to couples, families, friends and solo travellers.
It offers 20% commission to travel agents and training via webinars.
Turnover for 2022 is forecast to be $10 million and it aims to reach $50 million a year by 2027.
Mernick-Levene, executive director and co-founder, said: “We are looking to acquire more companies [and] work with more travel agents and other partners so we can continue our impressive global growth.
“The key to our success is staying local, using experts with exceptional local knowledge and seeking out specialist independent food stalls and restaurants, which offer a truly authentic ambience and taste of each city destination.”
The ‘secret’ element of each tour is a secret dish that is only revealed to guests on the day of their trip.
Mernick-Levene said the company’s sustainable food purchasing policy means it only buys from small, local restaurants, stalls or markets.
Any food left over after a tour is offered to guests to take away; if they cannot take it, the food is sent to a homeless charity in the city.
Pictured from left: Oliver Mernick-Levene and Nico Jacquart