Tell us a little about World Expeditions Travel Group:
Since 1975, the World Expeditions Travel Group (WETG) has provided premium, active adventure holidays focused on authentic experiences. WETG caters to small groups and supported self-guided for travellers to explore the world's most fascinating places. Whether cycling, trekking, or small ship expedition cruising, our trips start where others end!

Please share a little about the culture of your organization and what resonates with you most as a team member:
The World Expeditions Travel Group (WETG) is dedicated to connecting people with the natural world and its varying cultures through purposeful, sustainable, active and intimate outdoor experiences. The style of travel aspires to leave the world a better place, both environmentally and socially. 

With over 35 years in the travel industry and having personally experienced over 150 countries, I’ve witnessed a lot. To me, there is no better way to explore a destination than by bike or on foot. Advocating for a company that shares my beliefs and ideals comes naturally.

What unique value proposition sets your brand apart from the competition?
For almost 50 years the World Expeditions Travel Group has operated authentic and unique adventure holidays with a genuine focus on thoughtfully guiding our travellers along the paths less travelled. We are the pioneers in designing groundbreaking itineraries. As leaders in thoughtful travel, our 'BIG adventures, small footprint' philosophy was recognised in 2019 by our industry peers. We were crowned the best in adventure travel and won Adventure Travel Wholesaler of the Year at the travel awards in Sydney, Australia.

Share a success story when working with Travel Agency Owners:
Sales generated via travel agency bookings recently reached 30% of all sales for WETG in North America. I joined World Expeditions Travel Group in 2015 and was tasked with the focus of growing sales generated directly from travel agencies. Direct marketing towards this sales avenue, including in-house visits and trade show partnerships, has proven very effective. The snowball effect is well on its way!

What is new and exciting that you're looking forward to sharing with this year's delegates?
Perhaps your agency needs a boost? Something groundbreaking and exciting? Active travel benefits everyone in terms of health and wellness. 

Both new and well-travelled clients from all walks of life (regardless of age, ability or apprehension) will appreciate our many exciting options. For example, in the past few years, one of the hottest and fastest-growing trip styles is the European bike & boat trips. 

As an Agency Owner, would you ever imagine your team selling a self-guided boat-based cycling trip to clients in their 80's? Spend some time with me, and I'll share how to make this possible! 

Following are some of the styles Owners can now focus on!
1. Small ship expedition cruises. (ex: Polar regions)
2. Supported self-guided travel. Experience the benefits of travelling any day of the week, any time of the year. (ex: walking in Sicily)
3. Pilgrimage and themed trips (ex: Camino de Santiago / Food lovers)
4. Centre-base trips (ex : Cinque Terre) 
5. Great hikes and treks of the world (ex: Patagonia / Bhutan Snowman's Trek)
6. The path less travelled (ex: Backroads of Japan)
7. Adventure touring for the less active (ex: the 5 Stans)

I'm happy to offer online training sessions on demand for these fantastic travel styles.

The travel industry is forever evolving.  What are some of the trends you're seeing, and what initiatives is your brand developing to support travel agency owners and their teams' sales efforts?
1) Active and experiential travel for an older demographic > World Expeditions offers 'Over 55 Adventures', leisurely walking holidays inEurope, and e-bikes are available on most of our cycling trips.

2) Longer in-destination stays > Whether combining shorter trips in a given region or joining one of our many longer trips, WETG makes it easy for travellers to spend more time at their preferred destination.

3) Adventure travel with added comfort > More travellers seek active days and night comfort. That's why we ensure they stay in well-appointed, quality accommodation. On many of our remote trek, we offer permanent campsites with off-the-ground beds and sanitary blocks. We also offer upgrade options, allowing travellers to tailor their experience to their preferences.

4) Seeking new and up-and-coming destinations > Your team can count on our expertise. Innovative itineraries to lesser-known destinations kept the World Expeditions Travel Group at the forefront of adventure travel, even after five decades in the industry.

5) Private groups / family active travel > Any of our itineraries can be operated as a private departure, whether your client travels solo, with one companion, or with a group of like-minded travellers. We tailor the experience to suit their needs, ensuring a personalized and unforgettable adventure.

6) Self-Guided > We offer supported self-guided trips, providing a hassle-free travel experience. We handle all logistics, including accommodations, daily luggage transfers, detailed navigation directions, and a 24/7 hotline for support. Enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace, with the confidence that everything is taken care of.

What are your traditional commission structures?
Our commission structure varies depending on the agent partner. Typically, commissions range from 10% to 15%, based on their willingness to complete a 30-minute online training and subscribe to our agent newsletter. Additionally, we offer override commissions for partners aiming for higher volume and engaging in joint marketing strategies. Furthermore, our all-inclusive trip models mean that your commission applies to all the services we provide, resulting in a higher overall dollar amount for you.

Why should travel agency owners encourage their frontline sales force to book your brand as a preferred partner?
• Dedicated sales agent phone and e-mail address for each product line (i.e.: agents@utracks.com )
• Worldwide products. 
• High value commissions including pre & post hotels and e-bikes
• Insider knowledge & expertise. We know our product the best!
• Personalized product-specific training.

What tools/technologies do you have in place to support travel advisors; and do they integrate into current available technologies?  If yes, which ones?
1) Live chat
2) GoTo Webinar
3) Self-guided GPS Apps available offline
4) Client Portal App accessible by agent and clients

When communicating with your company, what can travel advisors expect (ie turnaround time, dedicated point person, etc.)?
1) The World Expeditions Travel Group has in place dedicated email addresses for each product (ie: agents@utracks.com for our Europe product). Additionally, we can be reached either by calling directly or on our toll-free line, which is answered Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:30pm EST.

2) I'm the dedicated contact person for the travel industry, and I am easily reachable. When I'm away, a cross-trained colleague is assigned to cover to create a seamless experience.

3) Turnaround time is generally one business day or sooner, depending on the season.

What advice can you share with agency owners as we prepare for 2025?
The adventure travel landscape for 2025 is rapidly evolving, influenced by sustainability, personalization, and deeper cultural engagement, with safety playing a crucial role in shaping the overall travel experience. To stay ahead, we recommend getting your agents subscribed to our e-newsletter for the latest tips, trends, and training opportunities. 

Our team is here to help you design personalized adventures for your top clients, aligned with trending travel interests such as eco-conscious travel, community-driven and cultural immersion, women’s adventure travel, off-the-beaten-path destinations, and multi-generational or family adventures. 

We’re here to support and train your agents to market and sell these experiences effectively. Reach out to us to discuss how we can help you capitalize on these trends!