Small Group Journeys: the New Travel Trend

MEDIA RELEASE
5 MAY 2011

Small Group Journeys: the New Travel Trend

Watch out cruising. There’s another form of travel that’s threatening to steal the limelight, with Adventure World picking that small group journeys will become one of the biggest travel trends of 2011

Last year it was cruises that captured the attention of New Zealand travellers, with Kiwis in their droves choosing to take their holidays on the high seas. And while cruising shows no signs of sinking in popularity anytime soon, there’s one form of travel that’s threatening to steal its thunder, with small group journeys showing a massive spike in popularity among Kiwi travellers.

“Over the past 12 months, we’ve seen a huge increase in demand for small group holidays,” says Dave Nicholson, General Manager of leading New Zealand travel company, Adventure World.

“Feedback from our customers shows a range of factors contributing to these bookings; first and foremost people are choosing to book on small group tours for safety purposes - which is particularly important for single and female travellers – and also because they offer such great value for money.”

Nicholson cites an increase in the number of ‘time-poor’ travellers looking for comprehensive itineraries as another contributor to the increased popularity of small group travel, as well as the ability to access more challenging destinations that the form of travel affords.

And while Adventure World has seen a dramatic increase in demand for small group journeys across the board, there’s one destination for which this type of travel is proving to be particularly popular.

“China is becoming hugely popular as a tourist destination for New Zealand travellers, and that’s reflected in the increase in demand we’re seeing for our small group journeys there. With the language barrier and the huge scale of the destination, we’re finding travellers are tending to book group tours for ease and peace of mind,” says Nicholson.

“The destination is very well serviced with a staggering number of flights now available between New Zealand and China. The frequency of these services also keeps airfares keen, so it’s a relatively cheap destination to get to as well.”

Adventure World, who recently launched their latest collection of tours to China, offers an extensive selection of small group journeys to the country, all of which have been specially designed to take travellers off the beaten track whilst also showcasing China’s major highlights and hidden and unique treasures.

Adventure World’s most popular small group tours to China include:

**China Express**

6 Days/ 5 Nights from $1,335*

Perfect for time poor travellers, this 6 day tour provides the perfect sampler to the delights of China’s must see sights in Beijing and Xian. Highlights of the tour include visiting the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City, the Old and New Summer Palaces, a walking tour to Xian’s Grand Mosque and ancient city walls, and indulging in a traditional Peking Duck dinner.

Priced from $1,335* per person, package includes four nights’ hotel accommodation, one overnight soft sleeper train, meals as indicated, all transfers, sightseeing as specified including entrance fees, local English speaking guides in each city and a dedicated tour leader when there are eight or more participants.

*Terms and conditions apply: Valid for sale until sold out. Valid for low season departures throughout 2011 and 2012. Guaranteed departure when two people are booked on a twin share basis.

**Highlights of China**

9 Days / 8 Nights from $1,960*

An unforgettable journey that visits the jewels in China’s crown. Exploring Beijing, the spiritual, cultural and historical heart of the country, Xian with its spectacular Terracotta Warriors, and China’s commercial powerhouse, Shanghai, this comprehensive 9-day tour is priced from only $1,960* per person.

Package includes six nights’ accommodation in a three-star hotel, two overnight soft sleeper trains, all transfers, meals as indicated, transportation and sightseeing as specified including entrance fees, local English speaking guides in each city and a dedicated tour leader when there are six or more participants.

*Terms and conditions apply: Valid for sale until sold out. Valid for low season departures throughout 2011 and 2012. Guaranteed departure when two people are booked on a twin share basis.

**Classic China**
14 Days/ 13 Nights from only $3,730*

Embark on Adventure World’s most popular small group China tour from only $3,730* per person. Highlights include the Great Wall of China, a countryside bike ride, bamboo rafting on the Yulong River, visiting Xian and the Terracotta Warriors, a dumpling banquet, and a walking tour to the Grand Mosque and Xian city walls.

Package includes thirteen nights’ accommodation including eight nights in a three-star hotel, three nights on a four-star Yangtze River cruise, two nights in soft sleeper trains, all transfers, meals as indicated, domestic flights, transportation and sightseeing as specified including entrance fees, local English speaking guides and a dedicated tour leader when the group includes six or more participants.

*Terms and conditions apply: Valid for sale until sold out. Valid for low season departures throughout 2011 and 2012. Guaranteed departure when two people are booked on a twin share basis.

Call 0800 465 432 (0800 HOLIDAY) or visit www.adventureworld.co.nz to book or for more information.

ENDS

© Scoop Media