Spotlight: Operators
Thomas Cook India’s Sale Ripples Through Travel Industry
February 13, 2012
Global company Thomas Cook is selling it’s India brand, a move experts say isn’t likely to affect consumers but is causing a stir among the regional travel industry there. The Business Standard of India reports: The sale of the India business of the British giant is likely to offer an opportunity to several players keen on entering this market. “Getting a strategic partner will bring gravitas to the company. In that, it is a good step,” a senior travel industry executive said today. “However, in the current form, no one will buy the company. Forex and travel will have to be sold separately.”… Apart from private equity investor Carlyle and travel company Cox & Kings, other niche players are learnt to be doing their round of enquiries. Travelex of UK, for instance, is keen on just the forex business. And Japan Tourist Bureau is focused on the travel business. Japan Tourism also has a strategic alliance with Thomas Cook in Japan, which may give it a better chance... Read More →
Spotlight: Operators
Mitigating Negative Press — A Case Study
August 3, 2011
Assistant Editor’s Note: We are publishing this excerpt from ATTA Member Journey Mexico‘s newsletter, with their permission, to illustrate how some tour operators are dealing with negative press due to local events. Journey Mexico's July Newsletter International Tourism on the Rise It is no secret, the negative and slanted media coverage of Mexico pouring out of the U.S. is hurting the Mexican Tourism industry. This has caused the industry to lower prices and offer enticing deals which has resulted in a new positive trend- increased international travelers from outside the U.S.. These international travelers are clearly taking advantage of these deals, causing an overall rise in tourism to Mexico. Proof of this can be found in the continual increase of international flights to Mexico from numerous airlines. Recognizing demand, new flights to Mexico from London, Peru, Brazil, Russia, and Spain have been initiated or increased and are expected to begin within a few months.... Read More →
Spotlight: OperatorsSix ATTA Members win Conde Nast Traveler’s 2010 World Savers Awards
September 16, 2010
Conde Nast Traveler has released the 2010 winners of their World Savers Awards, which recognizes companies that have “been creative in protecting, conserving, and supporting natural environments and local communities.” From 164 applicants worldwide, the judges picked 32 companies across five categories: education, environmental and/or cultural preservation, health, poverty relief, and wildlife conservation. Assistant Editor’s Note: Of the 32 organizations honored, six are Adventure Travel Trade Association Members, below. &Beyond Kwandwe Private Game Reserve – Honorable Mention, Health Gap Adventures – Co–Runner–Up, Poverty Relief Metropolitan Touring – Honorable Mention, Poverty Relief Micato Safaris – Overall Winner, Tour Operators; Winner, Education (Read the press release) Nature Air – Overall Winner, Airlines Orion Expedition Cruises – Honorable Mention, Education Wilderness Safaris – Winner, Health For more... Read More →
Members "In the News" Spotlight: OperatorsNational Geographic Traveler selects the 2010 Tours of a Lifetime
April 30, 2010
Washington, D.C. — Track snow leopards in Russia. Ride horses in Botswana. Follow the Silk Road. Take the kids to Tunisia. Sail on a small expedition ship through the Beagle Channel. These are just some of the 50 guided tours selected by National Geographic Traveler in its third annual “Tours of a Lifetime” list featured in the magazine’s May/June 2010 issue. The editorial team combed the world to find the most authentic, most innovative, most immersive, best-guided, and most sustainable tours. “The outfitters we selected have responded to travelers looking for more meaning and context,” notes senior editor Norie Quintos, who headed up the project. “And beyond guiding you to the destination, they’ve also found novel ways to give back.” The 50 Tours of a Lifetime include: *A food-lovers’ tour of Italy’s Piedmont region by La Dolce Vita Wine Tours, where travelers meet the artisans behind Barolo and Barbaresco wine, as well as local truffles, hazelnuts, and mountain... Read More →
By the Numbers Member Press Releases Partner News Spotlight: OperatorsAsia Travel Experts See Surge in Last-minute Bookings
March 17, 2009
Immediate Turnaround No Problem for Asia Transpacific Journeys BOULDER, CO, March 2009 – Time was when a trip to Asia was months in the planning. Now that’s no longer true, according to Asia Transpacific Journeys. “A family called on Thursday. They had good airline rates to Thailand. We put the trip together for them overnight and they were out the door on Sunday,” says Marilyn Downing Staff, CEO of Asia Transpacific Journeys, specialists in travel to Asia and Pacific Rim destinations for 21 years. Does this mean that the price of airline tickets is driving folks’ travel decisions? In some cases, yes, Downing Staff says, remembering when the time between request and travel was about nine months out. “Our clients are also booking last-minute, booking shorter trips and visiting destinations that are very economical, but they’re not taking what might be called budget trips,” she says. “They may forego a five-star accommodation for four stars but they still want private guides,... Read More →
Spotlight: OperatorsSmall Adventure Travel Company Looking for Success? Here’s Some Advice from BikeHike
February 4, 2009
Director Trish Sare Offers Insight as BikeHike Adventures Celebrates 15 Years of Operation January 23,2009 (Vancouver, BC) — Large tour companies usually enjoy advantages over their smaller peers in areas such as marketing budgets, personnel assets, customer networks, and brand recognition. However, small companies, such as Vancouver-based BikeHike Adventures (www.bikehike.com), have proven that size is not a requirement for success. Named as one of National Geographic Adventure’s “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” for two years running, BikeHike is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year and the small operation is still going strong. In this article, BikeHike Founder and Director Trish Sare offers up some suggestions to other small tour companies that are looking to establish themselves in the adventure travel industry. BikeHike’s biggest asset is the personal attention it provides its clients throughout the entire experience– from initial inquiry to booking... Read More →
