New research from Globus and MMGY Travel shows small is officially big when it comes to touring, with 55% of travellers favouring small groups.
Globus says it is ramping up its Small Group Discovery programme to ride the trend, with 61 itineraries planned for 2026. Group sizes are capped at an average of 15 guests in Europe and 18 worldwide — the tour operator says this is to offer the chance for travellers to experience "the world in ways larger groups can’t".
“Travellers are realizing that tours are a leap forward from DIY,” said Steve Born, chief marketing officer for Globus family of brands. “And small groups unlock a completely different kind of travel – one where doors open more easily, experiences feel more personal and every moment is designed to deliver more discovery with less stress.”
Globus says journeys through Italy, Ireland and Japan are among its most popular for small groups. The operator offers a 10-day Ireland Unveiled: Beyond the Blarney itinerary, including learning to herd sheep, tasting Irish seaweed and joiing a medieval banquet.
The Enchanting Italy 9-day tour takes in Rome to Tuscany, with olive oil tasting, a private cooking class in Monteriggioni and a stay in Tuscany at Relais Chiostro di Pienza, a restored 14th century monastery.
In Japan, smaller groups on the Majestic Japan tour can explore Tokyo by subway with a local guide, taste sake in Nagoya’s historic yokocho alleyways and hop aboard a ferry ride to Miyajima Island.
