What if your next big booking opportunity is already sitting in your client database?

Small-group travel is a good example of just that. Some clients may not consider themselves group travellers, assuming organized travel means large coaches, rigid schedules and little room for spontaneity. But the category has evolved, and Canadian travellers are increasingly responding to travel that combines local expertise, meaningful experiences and the freedom to explore.

Intrepid Travel reported a significant 48% year-over-year increase in Canadian bookings in September. We’re seeing Canadians embrace small-group travel across destinations, travel styles and price points, which is a strong signal that the style is gaining real momentum in Canada.

There’s a strong business case, too. An average group booking can generate three to four times the commission of an individual booking, yet fewer than 20% of advisors proactively prospect for group business.

Today’s small-group travellers want to experience destinations more deeply, with the right balance of independence and support. For advisors, the opportunity is to recognize the cues that signal a client could be a good fit. Interested in booking more group tours? Here’s how:

Revisit your solo travellers. Small-group trips offer the independence to explore new places with the reassurance of a built-in group and local leader. For clients hesitant about travelling alone, it can be the perfect middle ground between independent travel and waiting for someone else to join them.

Look beyond your usual group clients.  Couples, friends and multigenerational families may be interested in sharing an adventure without having to plan every detail themselves. Ask what clients want from their next trip rather than assuming who a group tour is for.

Sell the experience, not just the destination.  Move beyond the conveyor belt of traditional sightseeing. Highlight opportunities to connect with local communities, discover places beyond the typical tourist trail and enjoy experiences that would be difficult to arrange independently.

Match the trip to the traveller.  Consider their preferred pace, budget and comfort level when recommending an itinerary. Intrepid’s Premium and Comfort ranges offer additional options for clients seeking different levels of comfort while retaining the benefits of small-group travel.

Get your clients planning for 2027.  Reach out to clients already dreaming about their next adventure and use Intrepid’s annual Cyber Sale, with exclusive industry discounts launching November 4 ahead of the public sale on November 12, as a reason to start planning early.