Travel agents acclaim the unique experiential long-haul trip by Not in the Guidebooks.
- Seven agents embarked on a comprehensive 10-day exploration of Costa Rica.
- The itinerary included Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano, and Corcovado.
- First-hand exposure fostered deep connections with local culture and environments.
- Agents emphasised the trip’s transformative impact on their travel consultancy abilities.
In an unprecedented initiative, Not in the Guidebooks orchestrated its first long-haul familiarisation trip, garnering high praise from participating travel agents. The trip, spanning 10 days, provided seven agents with an immersive experience of Costa Rica, a destination renowned for its rich biodiversity and cultural diversity. The comprehensive itinerary included significant landmarks such as Tortuguero National Park, the Arenal Volcano, and Corcovado, offering the agents a profound understanding of the natural and cultural treasures of Costa Rica.
Carol Savage, Chief Executive of Not in the Guidebooks, highlighted the critical role of familiarisation trips in empowering agents to grasp the intricacies of travel itineraries. By engaging directly with local hosts and environments, agents gained genuine insights into sustainable travel practices and the essence of the brand’s offerings. “When [agents] connect with our local hosts and get under the skin of the destination, that’s when they truly understand what we are about as a brand and what sustainability really means when travelling,” Savage articulated.
The agents reported a noticeable shift in customer preferences, with a growing demand for authentic travel experiences encompassing local culture, cuisine, and interpersonal interactions. The journey through Costa Rica exemplified this trend, providing agents with a first-hand encounter with an evolving travel market that prioritises experience over traditional tourism.
Travel Den owner Gilli Knight attested to the unparalleled value of firsthand experience, stating, “There is no substitute for personal experience when advertising, advising or selling in travel and this trip could not have delivered any more.” Such testimonials underscore the trip’s success in bolstering the agents’ confidence and expertise in discussing and designing bespoke travel experiences for their clients.
Oyster Travel managing director Vicky Samwell-Buckenham echoed this sentiment, describing the fam trip as “like no other.” The integration of unique adventures, such as traversing Monteverde’s cloud forest and enjoying the region’s longest and highest zip line, offered a robust framework for developing tailored travel itineraries. Such excursions were pivotal in enabling agents to craft personalised travel plans that harness the distinctive offerings of Costa Rica.
The Not in the Guidebooks’ Costa Rica trip has notably enhanced agents’ ability to offer bespoke and informed travel experiences.
