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Six of the best specialist travel companies

Updated on August 9 by Mark Hodson

If you want a special travel experience, you should try one of the these specialist travel companies.

As the big names in travel increasingly dominate the market, it’s easy to forget the little guys – the small independent operators that stick to a single destination and know it inside out.

Many of these companies are owned and managed by true enthusiasts, who can take you beyond the brochure clichés to an authentic and unspoilt part of the country. Here are six of the best.

Best for Italy: Bellini Travel

Who they are: founder Emily FitzRoy provides insider tours of Italy, getting under the skin of the country and offering unique experiences. She works with only about 70 clients a year.

Why they’re good: Bellini can achieve what might appear to be impossible, whether it’s a royal box at La Scala or a private evening visit to the Sistine Chapel. But it’s not all glitz: FitzRoy knows Venice backwards and enjoys taking clients off the tourist trail to trattoria in the working class district of Cannareggio and to eat seafood at fishermen’s huts on the lagoon.

Best for Greece: Travel à la Carte

Who they are: founded in 1979 by Tony Wells and his late wife Mary, it is one of the last remaining family-owned holiday specialists to the Mediterranean. It has survived by focusing on small islands including Symi, Halki and Paxos.

Why they’re good: with two directors living year-round in Greece, Travel à la Carte knows its islands intimately and provides great customer service (it claims a client satisfaction rating of 9.9 out of 10). With no charter flights to sell, it can also offer total flexibility on arrival and departure dates.

Best for Japan: Inside Japan Tours

Who they are: founders Alastair Donnelly and Simon King met at university, worked as English teachers in Japan then decided to set up a specialist travel company. They offer private travel, group tours and self-guided tours for all budgets.

Why they’re good: the core team all speak Japanese, travel regularly to the country and have great local contacts – handy if you want to enter the Tokyo Marathon or arrange an evening with a geisha in Kyoto. They provide honest expert advice and go the extra mile. For one client staying at a luxury hotel in Tokyo, they hand-delivered gluten-free soy sauce from Nagoya, a round trip of 600 miles.

Best for America: Bon Voyage

Who they are: US fanatics Alan Wilson and Alan Orsmond started the company as a specialist travel agency in the late 1970s then focussed on creating their own tours to America.

Why they’re good: the company only employs staff that have lived or travelled extensively in the States and share the founders’ love of the country. Knowledgable sales staff combined with keen pricing keep the clients coming back.

Best for India: Greaves

Who they are: founded in 1973, Greaves is a family-owned company that offers private escorted tours of the Indian subcontinent. Managing director Mehra Dalton campaigns actively for sustainable tourism and is co-founder of Jaisalmer in Jeopardy.

Why they’re good: travel in India can be – shall we say – unpredictable. Greaves has a reputation for total reliability, ensuring every client is met on arrival with a private car and chauffeur, and ironing out every detail of every trip.

Best for Croatia: Completely Croatia

Who they are: founder Alison Jago spent 20 years in the travel industry before deciding her employers were getting it wrong and she could do better on her own. Completely Croatia specialises in small boutique properties and family-run hotels neglected by the larger tour operators.

Why they’re good: clients enjoy the personal service, with the same consultant dealing with them at every stage from initial enquiry to post-holiday follow-up. Good relations with hoteliers mean lots of free upgrades and surprise extras. Jago claims to have had just one customer complaint in five years of operation.

Images of Venice, Tokyo and India by Mark Hodson

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israel vacation rentals says

September 14 at 3:03 pm

Thank you for the info I’m traveling a lot and will certainly check one of the companies here.

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What is a Specialist Tour Operator?

A specialized tour operator provides unique and niche travel experiences. You can think of food tours, cooking classes, wine tastings, and hiking tours. Any tour provider that offers services in a niche is a specialized tour operator.

In recent years, there has been a rising interest in specialized tourism. For example, 2021 data shows that 68% of travelers are shifting towards sustainable tourism. Also, the Global Wellness Institute reports that 64% of travelers want wellness vacations. In addition to these, food tourism is constantly growing. In the U.S. alone, 95% are looking for 'some kind of unique food experience', and the numbers are growing globally.

In this blog, we'll learn more about specialized tour operations. If you are a travel agent or tour provider looking for a fresh marketing approach in 2024, this is for you. Below are 5 ideas on how to curate specialized travel experiences that meet travelers' demands.

1. Niche Expertise

Specialist tour operators have in-depth knowledge and expertise in specific travel niches or themes, such as adventure travel, wildlife safaris, cultural immersions, or culinary tours.

Did you know that some specialist tour operators specialize in niche markets like "dark tourism," offering tours to historically significant but often somber places such as battlefields, prisons, or disaster sites?

Tips for tour operators:

• Know Your Stuff : Really get to know everything about the special travel area you're focusing on, like history and interesting facts.
• Tell Great Stories : Make your tours interesting by telling cool stories. Work with local people who know a lot about the place to make it more real.
• Listen and Change : Pay attention to what your travelers like and don't like. Use their feedback to make your tours even better.

2. Customized Experiences

They often have travel agency to offer customized or tailor-made itineraries to cater to the unique interests and preferences of their target audience, allowing travelers to personalize their journeys.

Many specialist tour operators provide travelers with the opportunity to design their own itineraries, offering a level of personalization that can include specific activities, accommodations, travel arrangements, or even dietary preferences.

• Offer Tailor-Made Options : Give your travelers the chance to create their own itinerary. This could mean letting them pick specific activities, choose their own accommodation, or even request special meals.
• Ask for Preferences : Before the trip, ask your travelers about their interests, what they want to see and do, and any special needs they might have. Use this info to make their experience more personal.
• Flexible Scheduling : Allow some flexibility in your itinerary. This way, travelers can spend more time on the activities they enjoy most or explore additional sites that catch their interest during the tour.

3. Destination Specialization

Some specialist tour operators concentrate on specific destinations or regions, becoming experts in those areas and offering comprehensive experiences within them.

Other specialist tour operators focus exclusively on regions with unique natural wonders, like the Galápagos Islands, where they specialize in eco-friendly and sustainable travel experiences.

• Be a Local Expert : Learn everything about the specific region or destination you focus on, including its culture, history, and natural wonders. This knowledge will help you create in-depth, engaging tours.
• Highlight Unique Features : Showcase what makes your destination special, like unique natural attractions or cultural experiences. For example, if you specialize in the Galápagos Islands, emphasize eco-friendly tours that highlight the unique wildlife and ecosystems.
• Sustainable Practices : If your destination is known for its natural beauty, like the Galápagos, prioritize sustainable and eco-friendly travel practices to preserve the environment. This is not only good for the planet but also appeals to eco-conscious travelers.

4. Exclusive Access

They may provide package tours with exclusive access to attractions, accommodations, or activities that are not readily available to mass-market tour operators, enhancing the uniqueness of the tours.

Specialist tour operators might arrange exclusive access to archaeological sites before or after regular opening hours, allowing travelers to explore these historic treasures without the crowds.

• Arrange Special Visits : Work to get special access to popular sites, like arranging visits to archaeological sites outside of normal hours. This lets travelers enjoy these places without the usual crowds.
• Unique Experiences : Offer activities or experiences that aren't usually available to the general public. This could be anything from a private tour with a local expert to exclusive access to certain areas.
• Build Relationships : Develop good relationships with local attractions and accommodation providers. This can help you arrange special access or unique experiences for your travelers.

5. Passionate Guides

Specialist tour operators often employ passionate and knowledgeable tour guides who are experts in the niche or destination, ensuring travelers receive a high level of expertise and engagement during their journeys.

In the world of birdwatching tours, specialist operators often employ ornithologist guides who are not only experts in bird identification but also passionate advocates for bird conservation, enriching travelers' experiences with their deep knowledge and enthusiasm.

• Hire Expert Guides : Look for guides who are not just knowledgeable but also passionate about the niche. For example, in birdwatching tours, hire ornithologists who are experts in bird species and conservation.
• Train for Engagement : Ensure your guides are trained not only in factual knowledge but also in engaging storytelling and interaction with travelers. This enhances the overall experience.
• Focus on Special Interests : Match guides with specific interests or expertise to relevant tours. A guide's enthusiasm for their specialty, like bird conservation, can greatly enrich a traveler's experience.

Key Takeaways

As we wrap up our exploration of specialized tour operators, it's clear that this niche-focused approach in the tourism industry is not just a trend, but a growing sector meeting diverse traveler demands.

From the increasing interest in sustainable tourism and responsible travel, to the rise of wellness vacations and unique culinary experiences, the opportunities for specialized tour operators are vast and varied.

To stand out in this competitive market, here are three key actionable tips that you, as tour and activity providers, can implement:

• Embrace Your Niche : Whether it's eco-tourism, culinary experiences, or wellness retreats, dive deep into your niche. Know your audience and tailor your offerings to their specific interests and needs.
• Prioritize Authentic Experiences : Travelers are seeking genuine, immersive experiences. Collaborate with local communities and experts to offer authentic and unique tours that cannot be found elsewhere.
• Leverage Technology and Innovation : Utilize the latest technology, like AI for personalized itinerary planning or virtual reality previews of tours, to enhance the customer experience and streamline operations.

By focusing on these areas and continually adapting to the evolving desires of travelers, you can create memorable and distinctive experiences that not only meet but exceed the expectations of your clientele. Remember, in the world of specialized tourism, it's all about delivering uniqueness, authenticity, and quality.

Our Happy Specialized Tour Operators

TicketingHub has worked with specialized tour and activity providers for years now. Some of them are now renowned for their food tours, city tours, and special events. Read our case studies below and see what helped them succeed in this rising market.

• The Secret Food Tours
• Egypt's Sound and Light Show
• Belfast City Tours

People Also Ask:

1. why is online booking software helpful for specialist tour operators.

An online booking software is a game-changer for specialist tour operators. This type of software streamlines the booking process, making it easier for travelers to secure their spots on specialized tours.

For the operator, it simplifies managing reservations, tracks customer preferences, and automates tasks like sending confirmations and reminders.

Online booking systems offer efficiency and personalized service, particularly for specialist operators who deal with customized and niche travel packages. It saves money and time, both for the tour operator and the traveler, enhancing the overall experience.

2. What is a specialist tour operator?

Specialist tour operators are tour operators in the travel industry who focuses on offering specialized and niche travel experiences. Unlike mass market tour operators who cater to broad, general travel demands, specialist tour operators offer in-depth expertise in specific areas.

These can range from eco-tourism, adventure travel, cultural tours, to specific country or regional focuses. They provide tailored package holidays and tours that cater to specific interests and often offer more personalized service than other tour operators.

3. What is a specialized tour?

A specialized tour is a travel package designed to cater to specific interests or themes. Unlike general tour packages offered by many travel agencies, specialized tours delve deep into a particular area, offering unique experiences such as eco-tourism adventures, culinary tours in specific countries, or in-depth exploration of national parks.

These tours are usually crafted by specialist tour operators who possess deep knowledge and passion for the niche, ensuring an enriching and authentic experience for the traveler.

4. What are the main three types of tour operators?

The three main types of tour operators in the travel industry are inbound tour operators, outbound tour operators, and domestic tour operators.

• Inbound Tour Operators : These operators specialize in arranging tours and travel packages for travelers coming into a country. They work closely with hotels, airlines, and ground operators to provide a comprehensive travel experience in the destination country.
• Outbound Tour Operators : These receptive tour operators organize trips for travelers stepping out of their home country to visit other destinations worldwide. They often work with airlines, hotels, and travel operators in different countries to arrange all travel components.
• Domestic Tour Operators : They organize tours for domestic travelers within their own country. They specialize in knowing the best local spots and experiences that appeal to domestic travelers, including hotels, transport, and leisure travel activities.

Each type of tour operator plays a crucial role in the tourism ecosystem, catering to different segments of holidaymakers and travelers. It offers varied services like transport, accommodation, and travel packages.

5. What types of niche travel experiences do specialist tour operators offer?

Specialist tour operators offer a wide range of niche experiences, including wildlife safaris, cultural immersions, adventure travel, culinary tours, and more. They cater to specific interests and passions, providing travelers with unique and customized journeys.

6. Are specialist tour operators more expensive than regular tour companies?

Specialist tours can cost widely depending on niche and customization. While some specialist tours may have a premium price due to exclusive access or unique experiences, others can be competitively priced. It's essential to compare options and assess the value of all arrangements and experiences offered.

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Welcome to The South America Travel Specialists

The South America Travel Specialists is a small, specialist tour operator that tailor-makes South America luxury holidays. The company is a culmination of more than fifteen years of visiting such locations as the mighty Iguazu falls, the mystical ruins of Machu Picchu, and the wilds of the Pantanal to name but a few.

With South America being so vast, it has not been an easy task…but we hope that this and our sister sites should give you a good starting point on putting together your South America luxury holiday.

Please roll over the interactive map below for more information about the destinations we feature and click here for more information about us and your protection!

Double Click For More »

WHERE TO GO

South america.

South America is a continent of contrasts and is certainly on the list of many who are looking to experience new things. In this section of the site we have tried to give you a run down of the various countries that we offer...from the contrasts and colours of Colombia , to the steaks and estancias of Argentina . South America is also home to the cultures of the Incans in Peru and the vast open tracts of sophisticated Chile ...we have tried to give you a brief glimpse of where to go and what is on offer in each.

If you would like to see a few suggested itineraries then please head through to our itineraries section which is a great place to get started. More »

If you would like to know when to go then have a look at an overview for everywhere. More »

With South America being so vast, it has not been an easy task…but we hope that this and our sister sites should give you a good starting point on putting together your South America luxury holiday. Even More...

The Travel Specialists

A little more about the company and what we are about.

The Travel Specialists Ltd, the holding company for The Africa Specialists™, is a small, specialist tour operator to South America and Africa. Having lived and breathed travel and destinations for the last 15 years or so, the company has been borne out of a desire to put something out there that is honest and can be used by both backpackers and high end travellers alike.

Our Experience and Pricing

The team at the Travel Specialists have been tailormaking itineraries to Africa and South America since 2003 and so there are not many requests or itineraries that we have not covered in this time. The company will be 8 years old in 2018 which we feel is a great milestone in such a tough global economy and shows that we are doing something right!

Frequently tour operators have a hidden agenda where hotels and locations are concerned. As we all operate on a commission structure, many will favour hotels that pay them best, often regardless of how good the product actually is! We have endeavoured to visit all of the properties in a given destination and thus are very well placed in order to select which really are the best for our clients.

Moreover, this service is free! We charge exactly the same or less than if you were to book the hotels direct, and take away all of the pain... and also offer our know-how and recommendations.

Why Book With us?

Stage 1 - Resources - we can provide you with will all of the information about the destination possible with our consultants on hand to help you pick the right itinerary for you. As we travel out to each destination we sell regularly, our knowledge and experience is second to none. Presentations are highly recommended!

Stage 2 - Booking - with strong relationships with all the suppliers we find the best deals possible at the best lodges available.

Stage 3 - Before You Go - we help advise about what to take with you, jabs, clothing, recommended restaurants, recommended reading.

Stage 4 - While You Travel - we have on hand agents wherever you go to help with any requirements or amendments you may have. Emergency phone numbers and emails that are manned 24/7 should you need anything. We also try to provide you with little surprises throughout your trip.

Stage 5 - When You Get Back - we will give you a call to see how it all went as customer feedback is hugely important to us and the people we send you to. It need only be a word or a sentence. We hope that you enjoy the process with us but, if you aren't happy with anything at all then please let us know!!!

ATOL Bonding

ATTA - African Travel and Tourism Association

Registered Company

The company has been registered in the UK since 2010 with Companies House as the Travel Specialists Ltd. and our company number is 6998048 for those that would like to see a bit more about the company.

Social Responsibility

We are very firm believers in the travellers' mantra of "only take pictures and leave footprints" and have worked with some of the very best local charities and organisations in each of the destinations that we work. Recently we have also started to work with Responsible Travel tailoring some specialist trips for clients who want to get a little more involved in the destinations that they are travelling to. For more information please visit our Social Responsibility page.

Testimonials

On a final note, we are also very proud of the fact that we always post any feedback we receive from our clients and that it is 100% genuine and un-edited. Please see what they have been saying about us and our service. Read more…

We have also recently started to use Trustpilot to post unedited reviews from past clients so please also take a look at our page on there ( https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/www.theafricaspecialists.com ) and feel free to write a review if you like!

Get a Quote »

Why book with us.

We can help:

• Fully tailormade itineraries
• Guaranteed best price or price match
• Personal knowledge of everywhere we sell
• Personal service, 24/7
• We're ATOL bonded

Call us direct on: UK: +44 1525 840 149 US: +1-917-336-2937

School Travel

Look no further for your next SCHOOL TRIP

The school travel company is a specialist tour operator for schools & youth groups.

We help schools, colleges, and youth groups with their educational and residential trips to destinations throughout the UK, Europe, India, and North America, and we’re ready and waiting to work with you once again.

We have a wide range of ready-made itineraries that ensure you benefit from our experience, and we’re always happy to help you tailor-make a school trip specifically to suit you.

Search the site by Destination or Subject , or take a look at some of our most popular trips for Primary Schools  and Secondary Schools , as well as a great selection of Day-Trips .

We will do our very best to give you the very best value, always!

“Office staff were very well organised and communicated excellently. All queries were answered very efficiently and quickly”

” I WOULD NOT HESITATE TO RECOMMEND THE SCHOOL TRAVEL COMPANY HAVING BOOKED ALL OF OUR SCHOOL TRIPS EVERY YEAR SINCE 2008″

THE WORLD IS YOUR CLASSROOM

Where would you like to go..., or if you prefer…, start by subject, take a look at some of our most popular school trips.

York 2 Nights

This trip will provide pupils with an exciting opportunity to learn about local heritage – it’s one of our most popular UK school trips for KS2 History topics.

CERN 3 Nights

Visit the beautiful Geneva where students will get a chance to discover CERN, one of the world's largest and most respected centres for scientific research.

Auschwitz and Krakow

Poland’s second city, Krakow, is a popular city to visit for schools and colleges. The visit includes a school trip to Auschwitz, and the Wieliczka Salt Mine.

Paris 4 Nights

Looking for a French Trip with a difference? This bestselling educational visit gives you five days to explore the wonders of the City of Lights.

London 3 Nights

This trip is perfect for letting students fully immerse themselves in the Capital’s unique environment, with plenty of time for sightseeing.

Disneyland ® Paris 2 Nights

Spending two days in the Parks makes this tour a favourite with staff and students alike.

Winter Specials

Ironbridge 2 nights

OFF PEAK NOV-FEB £197pp FULL BOARD MIN 40 PAYING PEAK MAR-OCT £252pp FULL BOARD MIN 40 PAYING SAVING £55pp

Liverpool 2 nights

OFF PEAK NOV-FEB £197pp FULL BOARD MIN 40 PAYING PEAK MAR-OCT £259pp FULL BOARD MIN 40 PAYING SAVING £62pp

Snowdonia 2 Nights

NOV-FEB £194pp FULL BOARD MIN 40 PAYING PEAK MAR-OCT £257pp FULL BOARD MIN 40 PAYING SAVING £63pp

WHY CHOOSE US?

Our 20+ years of experience in educational travel have taught us just how much a school trip can benefit pupils: it opens young eyes to other cultures, languages and iconic landmarks, and inspires a passion for subjects usually only taught in class. We know what a commitment teachers make to ensure that their students get the most out of their time outside the classroom, and how little spare time they have to get it all done.

That is where we step in. We take care of every detail of your school trip and share our expertise with you to reduce the pressure. With specialist itineraries to suit different school and college needs, you can rely on us to provide the meticulous planning and the excellent value that you need to make your trip a success.

Transparent pricing Expert Tour Organisers 24-hour telephone support Safety record Financial Protection

For up-to-date travel advice, visit the Foreign Travel Advice page on www.gov.uk .

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The best tour operators in the world: 2023 Readers' Choice Awards

By Condé Nast Traveller

It’s been a challenging few years for tour operators but the names below are in it for the long haul (as well as the short and medium), honing itineraries and managing expectations. So who prepared your travel documents this year? Red Savannah and Black Tomato scored highest for first-hand knowledge, and Exodus Adventure Travels and Abercrombie & Kent for on-the-ground support. But when it came to all-round endeavour, Scott Dunn and The Turquoise Holiday Company were leaders of the pack. Both report a surge of interest in Asia, as well as multi-generational travel, solo adventures to Namibia, Bhutan and Mexico, and authentic experiences such as outback stations in Australia and bear lodges in Canada.

These are the best tour operators in the world, according to the 2023 Readers' Choice Awards . The scores below are percentages representing overall average levels of satisfaction.

The best general tour operators in the world 2023

15. Cox & Kings. Score 88.00

14. Hayes & Jarvis. Score 89.44

13. Carrier. Score 90.73

12. Simpson Travel. Score 91.48

11. Kuoni. Score 92.82

10. Mr & Mrs Smith. Score 93.29

9. Kensington Tours. Score 94.14

8. Audley Travel. Score 94.77

7. Original Travel. Score 95.44

6. Cazenove + Loyd. Score 95.92

5. The Ultimate Travel Company. Score 96.75

4. Abercrombie & Kent. Score 97.12

3. Elegant Resorts. Score 97.39

2. Red Savannah. Score 97.96

• The Turquoise Holiday Company. Score 98.42

The best travel specialists in the world 2023

15. Wild Frontiers. Score 94.81

14. Martin Randall Travel. Score 95.17

13. Intrepid Travel. Score 95.40

12. Wilderness. Score 96.54.

11. Inntravel. Score 96.88

10. Oxford Ski Company. Score 97.15

9. Kirker Holidays. Score 97.47

8. andBeyond. Score 97.61

7. Ampersand Travel. Score 97.65.

6. InsideJapan Tours. Score 97.79

5. Steppes Travel. Score 97.88

4. Black Tomato. Score 98.03

3. Exodus Adventure Travels. Score 98.15

2. Healing Holidays. Score 98.35

• Scott Dunn. Score 98.70