As Adventure World ends the year with record Kiwi growth for 2026, the company is planning to expand into new markets, with new touring styles as it continues to evolve with the demand.
Managing director Neil Rodgers says it’s premium products that are driving the growth in Africa, Latin America, Canada and Alaska.
However, the biggest area of Kiwi growth this year has been ‘the Nordics’. “That’s been exceptional,” he adds.
. . . Japan First
Adventure World will launch a Japan program next week, followed by product launches for Greece, Türkiye, and Croatia in two week’s time and Spain, Portugal and France in the new year. Rodgers says its Europe product will focus on cultural experiences and tailor-made travel, in particular. The company will lean into TTC’s established Europe networks, but offer touring through its own lens. That, Rodgers says, could include learning how to be a whirling dervish in Türkiye, or taking a tour led by a refugee in that country. “We will be offering some really unique programs,” he adds. At the same time Adventure World will increase its offering in Ireland and Scotland with Brendan Vacations, as well as in England and Wales.
Rodgers also has plans to expand into China and ‘the Stan’s’, roll out small group touring to Africa, new wellness and slow travel trip options.
. . . Apollo
The investment from new TTC owner Apollo is fuelling the growth. Rodgers says the ‘delightful surprise’ with Apollo has been its backing of the trade distribution.
Some 95% of Adventure World’s bookings are still via the trade ‘and we have no plans to change that’ adds Rodgers. He points out that the company’s 62 destination specialists in Australia and New Zealand are available to support agents.
In Jun Adventure World will launch a new e-commerce platform allowing agents to put modular tour components together and dial elements up or down to suit clients’ interests and budgets, in a bid to increase productivity for agents.
. . . Self-famils
Rodgers acknowledges that allowing agents to experience its product first hand is key. Among many new projects planned Rodgers is looking to roll out a new self-famil program ‘featuring about eight of our best-selling trips in low- to mid-season that consultants can book with their plus-one, ‘at a highly discounted price’.
