Insight’s domestic debut
INSIGHT Vacations is set to roll out a new range of “Local Escapes,” allowing travel agents to book their clients on itineraries offering them “everything they know and love about Insight, now closer to home”.
Insight MD Karen Deveson told Travel Daily the new offering had been developed in collaboration with sister The Travel Corporation brand Inspiring Journeys as well as Insight’s European travel experiences team, with an initial Australian portfolio of three trips in Tasmania, WA and SA.
Two new NZ trips have also been developed for when the “travel bubble” opens up.
It’s the first time Insight has launched product in Australasia, with Deveson saying “we are truly excited about our new homegrown collection”.
“Whether you are after a food and wine lovers extra-long weekend experiencing the best South Australian wineries or a week’s getaway going behind the scenes and sampling the local produce of the North Island of New Zealand – we have simply combined the best of the Insight way closer to home,” she said.
The trips also offer guests opportunities to “give back” to local communities, tapping into a clear desire from customers to support regions impacted by natural disasters and COVID-19.
Clients can redeem Insight Future Travel Credits on the domestic trips, and the company has introduced $99 deposits and the ability for customers to change their mind up to 30 days before departure and receive a full refund.
Comprehensive health and hygiene measures are being introduced on the trips, including a maximum of 22 passengers per full size coach and close liaison with suppliers to ensure safety.
Deveson said a recent survey confirmed significant pent-up demand from Insight clients.
With just over 1,000 responses from customers, about 90% were not concerned about money or the economy as a factor in their future travel despite COVID-19.
53% of Insight’s guests travel internationally on a group holiday at least once per year, and with borders closed, almost 60% of those want to take that trip locally before the end of 2020.
All five of the new Australian and NZ Insight trips are available to book now, with full details online at insightvacations.com.
MEANWHILE Insight is also continuing to experience demand for 2021 international travel, with Deveson noting the positive sign of a number of Luxury Gold bookings coming through in the last few weeks.