Carla Brake and Cris David of Insight Vacations with Jeff Element, President, The Travel Corporation and Lisa Ray
Lisa Ray and Marie Anne MacRae
Bollywood dancers
Exotics Collection brochure, 2014/2015
It was a treat for the senses one evening last week as a group of travel media were invited for the launch of Insight Vacations' new Exotics Collection for 2014/2015.
Although the venue of the event was KAMA (Classical Indian Cuisine) restaurant in downtown Toronto, our minds were whisked away on a journey to far off lands as we ate delicious food, watched a bollywood style dance presentation, listened to live traditional Indian music, and of course engaged in talk about travel.
Insight’s Exotics Collection includes India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Greece, Morocco, Israel, Jordan and Egypt, all of which are “incredibly inspirational destinations that feature prominently on our guests bucket lists”, said Cris David, President, Insight Vacations Canada. A new destination in the Collection this year is Bhutan, which according to David, is becoming increasingly popular thanks to its mountainous scenic beauty.
As with Insight’s other established trips, the Exotics include Signature Experiences - itineraries that are designed to bring the destination to life and create a more memorable and tangible experience. For example, the new Colours of Rajasthan trip includes a jeep excursion to see wild tigers in Ranthambhore National Park. In Greece guests can take cooking classes, and in Bhutan have tea with a local family. Specially selected Signature Hotels are accommodations that are chosen to show off the architecture, uniqueness and history of the destination, such as the Taj Lake Palace Hotel which is situated on Lake Pichola in Udaipar India.
One of the highlights of the evening was the introduction of Lisa Ray, as Insight's first global Brand ambassador for the Exotics and Gold Collection. Lisa is an internationally acclaimed film actress, TV host, entrepreneur, humanitarian and world traveller, who maintains residences in Toronto and Mumbai. “Her loyal international fan base, along with her Indian and European ancestry, gives her the wonderful ability to be a ‘bridge’ for Eastern and Western cultures which truly makes her an authentic Global Brand Ambassador,” said Marie Anne MacRae, Global V.P., Strategic Partnerships, The Travel Corporation. On a personal level, MacRae has been a long time admirer of Lisa, and after much research decided to reach out about a possible working partnership with Insight. Several months later the connection was made and was certainly worth the effort.
Lisa recently experienced 2 of Insight Vacations’ popular trips, Imperial Rajasthan and Italian Vogue. This evening she spoke passionately about her experience in India and admitted that prior to the trip was curious about what Insight could teach her about a country that she loves and already knows so well. To her pleasant surprise, she learned a lot. “India is unique, spectacular and vibrant, but not the easiest place to travel to." Used to navigating her own way around while travelling, she said, “Insight shifted my perspective. They bridge the 2 worlds of traveller and tourist. Insight allows you to deep dive and engage in the history of the destination without worrying about the details, like where your bags are, or remembering to drink water while out in the sun all day. You need a guide to maximize your experience.” And with that endorsement left everyone in the room wanting to experience the exotic.
