Beyond Travel’s foray into India and Sri Lanka has met with success on both the private and escorted touring fronts, according to general manager of sales and marketing Bryce Crampton.
The company’s new division India & Beyond was launched in May and offers a selection of private tours, river cruises, a luxury rail journey and pre- and post-tour land packages. The program also includes a six-day guided tour of India’s Golden Triangle, offered with weekly guaranteed departures and a choice of four or five-star hotels in New Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.
Crampton said discounted trade rates for the Golden Triangle tour had caught the attention of Australian agents, with more than 20 taking up the offer within six weeks of release.
The tour had also proved popular with consumers, selling “consistently very well” with more than 90% of travellers choosing to upgrade to the tour’s five-star option, available from $20 extra per person per night.
Growing demand for private touring had been a key factor behind the company’s decision to launch an India and Sri Lanka division, in addition to Beyond Travel’s established range in Africa, South America and parts of Asia.
“Consumers have shown a great liking for the inclusive private itineraries. There is a general greater awareness in the Australian markets of the ease and comfort of travelling privately in India and Sri Lanka,” Crampton said.
As well as India’s iconic sights and bucket-list destinations, Crampton said there was a growing number of travellers looking for an alternative to cities and monuments and were attracted by India’s wildlife in wonderful National Parks, the waterways of Kerala, beach resort areas around Goa and the east coast resorts south of Chennai.
Until 30 September, India & Beyond is offering an earlybird discount of $400 per couple on all private tours.
