Explore Worldwide and Helloworld Travel announce new preferred partnership

Explore Worldwide and Helloworld Travel announce new preferred partnership
Edited by Travel Weekly


Explore Worldwide has announced a new preferred partnership with Helloworld Travel, broadening the reach of Explore’s 350+ small-group adventures across the Helloworld business in Australia and New Zealand.

The collaboration will promote the leading small-group tour operator’s offerings through key networks, including Helloworld Branded and Associate, Magellan, Helloworld Business Travel, My Travel Group, MTA, Alatus, Express Travel Group, First Travel Group and Travellers Choice.

Ben Ittensohn, Explore’s Regional Director for Australia and New Zealand, shared his excitement for the partnership.

“Travel agents are instrumental to our growth as we continue to expand our brand in Australia and New Zealand, and we are thrilled to partner with such a highly respected network like Helloworld Travel,” Ittensohn said.

Helloworld Travel GM Commercial, Stan Scott, said Explore offer customers a wide range of small group touring options, including Walking, Food and Drink, Wildlife and Cycling tours across such a broad range of amazing destinations.

“So many customers are looking for new destinations to explore, they want to experience the local culture and meet locals while travelling sustainably and supporting local economies, all of which Explore’s small group tours are perfect for,” Scott said.

“2024 has been a standout year for Explore, with a 59 per cent year-on-year growth in bookings driven by rising demand for small-group tours, an expanding range of destinations, and a growing interest in sustainable travel,” Ittensohn said. “As a certified B-Corp, we’re proud to offer agents responsible and experiential travel experiences to share with their customers.

“This partnership reflects the strong alignment between Helloworld and Explore’s offerings and ethos, highlighting our shared commitment to delivering enriching and meaningful travel experiences.”

Ittensohn also noted a continued strong demand for European favourites like Italy and Greece, growing interest in emerging European destinations such as Turkey and Albania, and trending destinations in Asia such as Japan and Sri Lanka. Explore recently launched their new range of tours for 2025, introducing exciting adventures to Ghana, Finland, Chile, and Everest Base Camp, as well as the new premium Upgraded Collection with more elevated accommodations and experiences.

“Through this partnership, we’re committed to equipping our Helloworld network agents with the tools and knowledge to confidently promote our range of trips. We’re excited to collaborate with Helloworld and welcome their customers to our small-group adventures around the world,” Ittensohn said.

Explore recently launched its new travel brochures for 2025, a useful selling tool to help agents convert small-group adventure trips. Order through Tifs.

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