Travel Agent - September 10, 2007 - (Page 21)

ings there, focusing on such destinations as Machu Picchu, Costa Rica and the Galapagos. The draws of South America, these operators say, include fascination with products from the region such as Chilean wines, interest in a culture well known for its warm and welcoming nature, an increasing reputation as a family-friendly destination and favorable exchange rates. Disney’s New Peru Itinerary Helping to cement that burgeoning cachet is Adventures by Disney (www.disney travelagents.com), which will launch its first tour in South America next year. “Sacred Valleys and Incan Cities,” which focuses on Peru, escorts guests on a private guided tour of Machu Picchu, a visit to the Moray ruins followed by a dance performance by Urubamba students, a one-of-akind weaving demonstration at the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco and a visit to the Sacsayhuaman ruins. The trip is likely a great choice for first-timers, as Disney will guide guests in and out of Lima’s airport, which can sometimes be overwhelming, says Heather Killingbeck, director of trip and program development for Adventures by Disney. It also should be noted that the trip, like most to South America, is relatively active. “We try to have experiences that are somewhat physical, but not too rigorous,” she says. A major appeal of South America is that it’s easy to get to, and for U.S.-based travelers, it comes with minimal, if any, jet lag. “The convenience of traveling there is certainly something people take into consideration,” says Kim Vincent, project manager for Globus (www.globusjourneys.com), which has been offering escorted tours to the region since 1994. “People have gone to Europe and now they want to do the exotics. In South America, you’ve got the combination of cosmopolitan cities mixed with wildlife, national parks and gorgeous, pristine, untouched lands.” In 2008, expect to see a big push behind Globus’ South America product, as interest in tours there continues to grow—so much so that in 2007, sales of Globus’ South America itineraries grew by 50 percent. In 2008, Globus is looking Travcoa visits Iguazu Falls, on the border of Brazil and Argentina to establish a culinary tour there. The tour operator is increasing departures on its existing tours, as well as launching several new ones. New for 2008 is “Patagonian Adventure: Journey to the End of the World,” a 15-day trip that spans Santiago, Chile; many other cities, including Buenos Aires, Argentina; Puerto Natales, a city that claims to be the world’s most southern; and Torres del Paine National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for an overnight. Departures begin January 3, 2008, at a price of $5,299. “Wildlife is abundant on this trip,” Vincent says, “with foxes, swans and condors everywhere. It’s a very naturebased trip, but guests will be taken care of in the hotels.” What’s more, the tour operator believes that South America’s current reputation as a relatively untouched destination could be a good way for agents to attract younger clientele. To help out, Globus has expanded its FIT Monograms product in the country and, like China this year, in 2008 Globus will focus on heavily promoting South America, using a three-tiered mailing and launching a new micro-site, “Colorful South America,” on its web site. In addition to the potential for attracting younger customers, South America also is a magnet for female travelers, according to Jerre Fuqua, president of First Choice Expeditions, the parent company of Continued on page 22 September 10, 2007 TravelAgent 21 http://www.disneytravelagents.com http://www.disneytravelagents.com http://www.globusjourneys.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Travel Agent - September 10, 2007

Contents Editor's Letter News You Can Use Agenda: Fam Trips, Calendar of Events, Deal of the Week South America Rising: COVER STORY EUROPE: Undiscovered Croatia PACIFIC/ASIA: Chiang Mai: Hotspot of Northern Thailand LAS VEGAS: Las Vegas’ Inside Man Las Vegas News & Notes Las Vegas: The New Frontier PACIFIC NORTHWEST: A Gem on Oregon’s Central Coast FLORIDA: Hyatt Regency Miami Spruces Up Ensemble Update Agent Outlook: Cruising Today Nantucket Island Resorts Classified Marketplace Home-Based Travel Expo Update Advertisers’ Information People & Places Thailand Planner

Travel Agent - September 10, 2007

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