“Customers’ booking patterns are changing”: Topdeck

“Customers’ booking patterns are changing”: Topdeck

Following the launch of their new Middle East and Africa brochure, Travel Weekly caught up with one of the top guns at Topdeck about all things travel – and all things Topdeck, of course. 

Ben Ittensohn is the Regional Manager, Asia Pacific, at Topdeck Travel – and he’s here to tell you Topdeck is not about to slow down.

The travel company for 18 to 30-somethings has experienced massive growth: it’s popularity has skyrocketed in the past four years. 

Ittensohn said Topdeck’s booking numbers increased significantly throughout 2013 and 2014, and although 2017 might not be their biggest year yet, they’ve “definitely seen growth this year.”

Ittensohn also mentioned that terror events throughout the Europe and the US have caused shockwaves in travellers – but that youth travellers, in particular, are a pretty resilient bunch.

“There’s no one telling a 24-year-old that if they want to go to Europe next year they’re not going to go,” he said.

And as for how travel is changing? Ittensohn points to booking patterns.

“Customers now have more choice, and that is changing booking patterns,” he said.

And he’s right – there’s more tour companies, websites and booking platforms than ever. Plus customer’s time frames have changed, with people booking with little time to spare.

“Traditionally they used to book about 160 days prior to trips departing and now that’s reducing to 60-90 days,” Ittensohn continued.

But really, who wants to wait 160 days to hop the Greek Islands or safari in Africa?

The former is Ittensohn’s favourite destination – and he has quite a few Topdeck trips under his belt. The latter is half the focus of Topdeck’s new brochure.

For the uninitiated, the Middle East and Africa brochure has just launched – and new itineraries will be available from January 2018 to March 2019. There’s also an Earlybird special on it until March 15, 2018 (so get booking). 

Included in these is an Abu Dhabi stopover package – a three-night break from a long flight.

“Off the back of the success of our Dubai stopover package we’ve now launched an Abu Dhabi stopover package which is three nights,” Ittensohn said. 

“We carry a lot of people on our European programs and it gives them the opportunity to get off, stretch their legs, have a look around Abu Dhabi.”

Dubai and Abu Dhabi stopovers are both firsts for the youth market – and a hell of a good idea to break up those 26-hour flights to Europe and back. They also aren’t typical destinations. 

“We’re wanting our travellers to not just go to Europe or North America or Asia or typical destinations – we’re looking to broaden our horizons and take travellers to more adventurous types of destinations,” Ittensohn added. 

Enter ‘The tales of Israel’ – an eight-day quintessential top deck experience in a brand new destination. 

Another adventure-type destination that’s on the rise is Morocco, according to Ittensohn. In the aforementioned new brochure, Topdeck has added a shorter Morocco trip to their repertoire – feeding their customers need for a quick adventure off the beaten path of Europe. 

“This year to date, we’re up 33 per cent in Middle East bookings out of the Australian market.”

Their Africa products are up 15 per cent as well – and Topdeck is showing no signs of slowing down.

“We’ve launched a new product to the same destinations – that’s whats exciting about the Middle East and Africa product is Israel and [the new] Morocco trip,” Ittensohn said of the new brochure. 

But the brochure hasn’t been the biggest step for Topdeck this year – as they abolished their food funds mere months ago.

“Traditionally with Topdeck you have a trip price plus a food fund equals total trip price. And we just think in this day and age trying to explain what a food fund is to a, typically 24-year-old, traveller [makes] food funds pretty redundant now,” Ittensohn said. 

This means more commission for travel agents (since they’re selling a larger price) and when customers get discounts like Early Bird specials, it means their overall price is lower than ever before. Everybody wins, Topdeck included.

Speaking of winning, Topdeck was just named the “Best Escorted Tours Holiday Company” at the British Travel Awards.

This, coupled with being voted ‘2017 Best International Tour Operator’ at the National Travel Industry Awards makes Topdeck heavy competition for other youth travel companies. 

“[Thats] obviously something that we’re very very proud about this year. And something that we don’t intend to forfeit for 2018,” Ittensohn said. 

And beyond 2018? Topdeck has more in store than you can imagine.

“We’re looking at our product and making sure it remains relevant for the long term,” Ittensohn added. 

Latest News

  • Famil

TravHost launches expert hosting service to transform industry famils

TravHost offers a pioneering service bridging the gap between media professionals, travel agents and tourism organisations, addressing the demand for exceptional famil hosts. Founded by seasoned travel media professionals Fiona Harper and Carolyne Jasinski, TravHost is poised to revolutionise the way tourism organisations and travel companies approach famils. With decades of experience in tourism and […]

  • Tour Operators
  • Travel Agents

Book big and bag a spot of the TTC Tour Brand’s Top Achievers’ Famil

TTC Tour Brands’ Top Achievers Famil incentive is back, rewarding top-selling agents with the chance to embark on an unforgettable trip to a destination that remains a secret – for now. Agents who have sold any Luxury Gold, Insight Vacations, Trafalgar, Costsaver and Contiki, from 1 December 2024 to 14 March 2025, go into the […]

  • Business Travel
  • Conferences

New Zealand International Convention Centre to open in February 2026

The New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) has announced it is opening its doors to New Zealand and world conferences and events in February 2026. The long-awaited NZICC is set to transform New Zealand’s conference and events industry, boosting visitation and the wider economy with its world-class facilities. Located in the heart of Auckland’s CBD, […]

  • Cruise
  • Events

AmaWaterways invites AU/NZ travel trade to An Evening with AmaWaterways events

AmaWaterways has announced the dates of its upcoming An Evening with AmaWaterways events for travel advisors, just over a year after it entered the Australian and New Zealand markets. Dedicated to travel advisors, the events will be held in six cities and will be hosted by AmaWaterways’ regional sales managers, plus feature a presentation from […]

  • Destinations
  • Tourism

Mooloolaba cruise season boosts Sunshine Coast tourism and trade

Mooloolaba is set to welcome a series of cruise ships through February and March 2025, significantly boosting local businesses and tourism to the Sunshine Coast. Their arrival is expected to create a vibrant atmosphere and provide a substantial economic uplift to the region. Viking Sky kicks off the season on Sunday 8 February, with 930 […]

  • Food & Beverage

Little Pete Brewing opens first of its kind open-air bar

Little Pete Brewing has opened a new open-air bar at 543 Step Rd, Langhorne Creek, a must-visit South Australia destination for a drink with a view. The first-of-its-kind open-air bar sits on 8ha, surrounded by vineyards and paddocks, with the Bremer River flowing nearby and framed by majestic ancient river red gums. “We always felt […]

  • Events

CENTREPIECE is set to make a splash at AIME 2025

CENTREPIECE is set to make a splash at AIME 2025 with a one-of-a-kind activation that showcases their world-class event capabilities to inspire event planners and decision-makers. CENTREPIECE is located in the heart of Melbourne & Olympic Parks, Victoria’s epicentre for live sports and entertainment and home to world-renowned venues including Rod Laver Arena, AAMI Park, […]

  • Destinations
  • Tourism

NYC Tourism + Conventions announces two exciting new events

NYC Tourism + Conventions has announced ‘NYC Off-Broadway Week 2025’ and ‘Value Family Activities’ events lined up for this year. NYC Off-Broadway Week 2025 2-for-1 ticket sales for this event have begun with this season’s program featuring 29 Off-Broadway performances, including 18 new participants. The twice-yearly program runs from 17 February through 9 March with […]

  • Events
  • Tourism

Jeju wins bid to host 2028 Asia-Pacific Microscopy Conference

The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) has successfully secured the 14th Asia-Pacific Microscopy Conference (APMC14) for Jeju in November 2028. This was achieved in partnership with the Korean Society of Microscopy, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, Jeju Convention Bureau, and Jeju International Convention Center. Korea was selected as the final host after strong competition at the 13th […]

  • Cruise
  • Food & Beverage

Oceania Cruises sets new standard for onboard dining: one chef for every 10 guests

Oceania Cruises, renowned for The Finest Cuisine at Sea, has set a new standard for onboard dining with an exquisite new menu evolution in The Grand Dining Room. Launching on its newest 1,200-guest ship, Allura, in July 2025, the reimagined menus introduce over 270 brand-new recipes, from curated Signature Eggs Benedict breakfast selection to a chic French […]