Globus & The New World Of Escorted Touring

with Caroline Booth

If you think a grey and dreary afternoon in November might put a damper on a city sightseeing tour, think again. Such were the outdoor conditions one afternoon recently when the folks at Globus family of brands invited a group of us to join them in an exploration of Toronto. What we discovered is that a personable and knowledgeable Tour Director along with friendly travel companions and exceptional transportation makes for a great experience, regardless of the weather.

As the luxury coach weaved its way through the downtown streets, Stéphanie Bishop, Managing Director, Globus family of brands Canada took a moment to speak about the new world of escorted touring and dispel some of the myths surrounding it that continue to exist. Topping the list are notions that coach touring is for seniors; having to wait in long lines at places of interest is the norm and that touring destinations are limited to Europe.

Clients not yet in the know, and unsure if coach touring would be right for them, may be pleased to learn that this type of travel attracts a wide demographic and varies depending on the destination and type of tour. As a premium brand, Globus caters to an upscale market offering more inclusions and accommodations that are in central locations. "People travelling with this brand want the comfort, security and logistics coordination," said Bishop. VIP status allows guests ‘front of the line - no wait’ access to sites and museums. Globus offers tours in over 35 countries spanning Europe, Africa, the Middle East, South Pacific, Asia and North America.

Bishop credits the popularity of coach touring (85% repeat rate for Globus) to the fact that the product offers bucket list destinations that baby boomers in particular are looking to fulfill. For Canucks that bucket list destination (and most popular in Canada) is Newfoundland & Labrador. To maximize the experience in a destination, tours are often paired with timely events, such as partaking in Canada Day celebrations in Ottawa during a tour of Ontario and Quebec.

Another factor in the success of a trip is the Tour Director. On this day we had the pleasure of meeting James Saunders who has been leading tours with Globus across 6 continents for an impressive 28 years, and is a local Toronto expert. As the coach rolled to a stop, we found ourselves in the Distillery District, a historic and entertainment area located just east of downtown. The cobblestone streets are lined with cafés, restaurants and shops housed within heritage buildings of the former Gooderham and Worts Distiller. Although strolling this picturesque setting was a delight in itself, it soon became obvious that Saunders had a more specific plan in mind. Next stop Soma Chocolatemaker. Could there be a better place to hang out on a brisk day (or any day for that matter) than a chocolate factory? I highly doubt it. The specialty here is artisanal organic fairtrade chocolate made directly from the cacao bean. As we sipped our Mayan spiced hot chocolate samples, Saunders explained that gems like Soma are a Globus Local Favourite - tour inclusions that highlight a popular local experience.

With 85 years in the business of creating memorable experiences, Globus family of brands knows what their clients want and works hard to put together tours that meet their needs and interests. Bishop’s own wish for all Canadian travellers is to experience the Great Canadian War Memorial Tour. Designed for Canadians, by Canadians, this emotional tour visits memorials, museums and special sites throughout France and Belgium. For more information visit the globus website.