A new luxury experiential tour operator, 33 degrees, has entered the Australian market with plans for private jets, resort takeovers, cruise charters and exclusive rail journeys.
Imagine Captain’s Choice, but with longer stays in locations.
33 degrees and ecruising founder Brett Dudley sees the APT group luxury operator as competition, but said that 33 degrees’ point of differentiation will be the length of time spent in locations – up to five days for safari in South Africa, for instance.
Dudley explained the need for a new brand following the success of luxury itineraries in recent years, including a three-night entire resort booking of Amansara in Cambodia.
“Anybody can charter a plane or train but not everyone can deliver,” Dudley said.
These types of high-end experiences went beyond the remit of with the ecruising brand.
“It was necessary to create a company dedicated to these immersive high –end packages,” Dudley said.
Seven itineraries will be sold for 2017, with the chance of a further two, Dudley told Travel Weekly.
The new 33 degrees brand was launched to an assembled audience of 70 loyal travellers, industry and media at Bathers Pavilion, Balmoral this week.
The name 33 Degrees came from the south of the Equator latitude of Dudley’s favourite cities of Sydney, Cape Town and Santiago.
“The range of tours visit some of the most remote and interesting places on Earth and may incorporate private jets, exclusive use of small resorts and luxury ships by guests of 33 Degrees who are always accompanied by knowledgeable local guides and fully escorted by one of our experienced tour hosts,” Dudley said.
Dudley himself will host two Director’s Selection tours.
The inaugural Director’s Selection 33 Degrees tour is the 32-night Seven Wonders of South Africa. The itinerary incorporates private charter planes, exclusively use of Phinda Mountain Lodge, a private Rovos Rail charter and a 16-night cruise from Cape Town to Australia aboard the QM2.
