Exclusive: ExplorEarth to offer expedition packages for agents
ExplorEarth has partnered with Travelpack to co-design and offer expedition cruise packages exclusively for travel agents
Using ExplorEarth’s specialist planning and media platform, agents will be able to present clients with expedition cruises backed by expert knowledge and comprehensive ATOL protection through Travelpack.
Speaking exclusively to Cruise Trade News, Jos Dewing, CEO of ExplorEarth, said around 30 per cent of the platform’s traffic comes from the trade, helped by the firm’s partnership with CLIA UK & Ireland, “so it feels right to provide these agents with exclusive packages”.
“We’ve been speaking to agents who were passionate about expedition but couldn’t package trips themselves, and that was the real spark. Then we had a conversation with Travelpack — and it just clicked.
“There’s a real gap in the expedition market for fully packaged trips. Most agents sell expedition cruises on a FIT basis — perhaps adding flights to Buenos Aires or Ushuaia — but that’s often where it ends.
“There’s so much more travellers can do: time in Buenos Aires, hiking in Patagonia, visiting Iguazú Falls. Those extensions can now be seamlessly combined into one complete package. We’re taking care of the logistics so agents can focus on the sale.”
ExplorEarth has seen demand across the expedition sector continue to grow, particularly for destinations such as the Galápagos, Greenland, South Georgia and Alaska, alongside a new wave of interest in river expeditions.
“Many agents are now seeking a fully bonded package that includes expedition cruising and is unique, and they can offer to their clients,” added Emma Sanger-Horwell, director of cruise at Travelpack.
“Knowing that so many already utilise the amazing content, guides and stories on ExplorEarth, we felt their team of experts would be the perfect people to help us craft unique trips, and their popular website, the ideal place to showcase them.”
Dewing continued: “ExplorEarth’s purpose has always been to connect curious travellers and the trade with the world of expedition and small-ship adventure. By partnering with Travelpack, we’re able to extend that objective by offering agents something truly distinctive, co-curated packages that combine storytelling with real, bookable journeys.
“I have a history in itinerary planning, and have long believed that some incredible package opportunities in this sector simply don’t exist. With this partnership, we can make that happen.”
The first collection of packages will be unveiled on www.explorearth.com/agents in November, focusing on small-ship expeditions with existing ExplorEarth operator partners, cultural encounters and tours.
