The Expedition Cruise Network has published the first ECN Galápagos Selling Guide for travel retailers.
Akvile Marozaite, CEO of the Expedition Cruise Network said: “Outside of polar, the Galapagos Islands region is a best-selling expedition cruise destination, and our members are industry pioneers in having brought these trips to market.
“The archipelago is a ‘living laboratory of evolution,’ renowned for its rich biodiversity, striking landscapes, and delicately preserved ecosystem. It can be sold as a year-round destination but there are some variables in temperature both on land and in the water, and in the wildlife to be spotted at different times of year. So, knowing the destination and your clients’ preferences is key to selling this destination well. This guide is the second guide in our series and is a testament to our ongoing commitment to generating educational content and essential reference tools for agents in the expedition cruise sector.”
What to Expect
The ECN Galápagos Selling Guide provides
- Information on the distinct flora, fauna and landscapes of the 13 main islands, six smaller islands and over 100 islets, from lush highlands and volcanic craters to pristine beaches and lava fields
- As the islands are a year-round destination, the guide provides a month-by-month guide on the temperatures, weather and wildlife spotting opportunities
- Insights into the types of activities on offer by expedition cruise companies operating in the archipelago that is scattered across the Equator in the Pacific Ocean 600 miles off the Ecuador coast from core experiences such as guided nature walks, snorkelling excursions, and Zodiac cruises to kayaking, paddleboarding, scuba diving, wildlife photography, workshops or guided hikes to volcanic craters.
- How to reach the archipelago – and which gateways are best to use
- An outline of a typical day in the Galápagos
- Selling tips from the Experts from industry insiders, a guidebook writer and expedition leader
- Important information on fees to the Galápagos National Park and regulations
- Details of the seven ECN members who operate in the Galápagos Islands and their USPs. These include:
- Golden Galapagos, who specialise in small luxury catamaran experiences with its carbon-neutral fleet
- Metropolitan Touring. Ecuador’s leading travel corporation, it was a pioneer of responsible tourism and expedition voyages to the Galapagos Islands
- National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions. Another pioneer in the islands, the company has the largest, purpose-built fleet in the Galápagos with four vessels
- Ultra-luxury provider Silversea has its purpose built 100 passenger vessel Silver Origin
- Aqua Expeditions with its focus on luxury small-yacht cruising onboard Aqua Mare that takes up to 16 passengers
- HX Hurtigruten Expeditions, one of the largest players in expedition cruising has been taking passengers to the Galapagos since 1969
- UnCruise Adventures, known for its immersive approach, they blend wildlife encounters with exceptional service and guidance.
Click here to view Expedition Cruise Network’s guide to selling the Galapagos
