If we are truly honest, the guided touring (i.e. escorted motorcoach) field is pretty busy, with several operators offering sterling itineraries, guides and service to the travel agency community.
So, how do you decide which one works best for you?
At a seminar held 21OCT at Humber College’s campus in western Toronto, some 40 travel advisors convened to learn more about Collette and why the company has survived – and thrived – for more than 100 years.
Our hosts were Krystal Langenberg, Head of Sales for Canada, and Hektor Kaczuga, BDM for SW Ontario.
Here’s a snapshot of what the agents learned:
l) Itineraries. With more than 170 tours, Collette has something for every client in the market for a guided tour. Not only to every continent – including Antarctica – but in five different “styles”.
The styles comprise: Classic (max 44 pax); Small group (max 24); Spotlight (single hotel stay with “hub and spoke” day tours); Cruising; and Faith-based.
2) The company is careful to spell out the fitness level required for every itinerary. (e.g., the average Collette client is 63 years old and main nationalities are US, Canadian and Australian.)
3) “When you make a commission, there’s a comma in your cheque.” And Collette pays commission on not just the package but the flights, extensions and more. (And the flights are flexible in case your clients wish to extend their vacation pre- or post-tour.)
The average commission from Collette, Kaczuga told the group, is $1,500.
Which is to say that a Collette tour is not the cheapest thing on the market. Kaczuga gave a great tip: spell out all of the inclusions in detail before mentioning price.
4) The company has recently diversified its tour inclusions to feature more memorable accommodation such as castles in Europe, glamping in Morocco and a stay in a glass igloo in Finland. And there are more dinners in local restos (as opposed to at the host hotel) and meals hosted in private homes.
5) The three top-selling tours so far for 2025 are all in Africa. Also popular are Ireland, Portugal, Italy, Iceland and Costa Rica.
6) Collette’s travel protection will cover cancellation for any reason whatsoever, up to 24 hours prior to departure.
7) And when clients live within a 100 km radius of Pearson Airport, airport transfers by private chauffeur service are included – an average value of $200 and a great way to “set the tone” for a memorable vacation.
For more tips on how to sell, the company has a 76 page Travel Advisor Resource Guide for 2024-25.
“We listen to the clients,” Kaczuga said, referring to the continuous tweaking of itineraries and addition of new programs. And to advisors too, if the evening’s appreciative audience is typical of Collette’s supporters.
Find out more at collette.com and at their travel advisor portal gocollette.com/travel-advisors.
