More than 30 years in the travel industry has given Gada Selim a good idea of what makes a touring experience stand out.
In a new interview with Collette sales engagement manager, David Farrar, the Envoyage Miranda owner shares her experience hosting a 2026 Collette Explorations journey through Switzerland and the Italian Lakes – and the details that made a big impression.
For Selim, one of the biggest advantages of travelling with a smaller group was the flexibility it offered, allowing guests to move around more easily, enjoy a more intimate experience and access local restaurants and cultural experiences that might otherwise be difficult to arrange.
The experience showcased Collette’s premium approach to touring, with centrally located accommodation, authentic local cuisine and unique experiences, including a visit to a traditional Swiss horn maker.
“It’s very difficult to do as an individual traveller. You wouldn’t know. And you couldn’t do it as a large group either,” Selim said.
Building confidence
Collette’s support extends beyond the tour, with home-to-airport chauffeur transfers, a 24/7 emergency services team, guaranteed departures and the Collette app adding another layer of reassurance for clients and advisors alike.
The agency loyalty program also provides an added incentive, offering both a $200 gift card for each booking, and exceptional self-guided famil rates.
What’s more, each tour comes with a flexible cancellation policy, allowing travellers to cancel for any reason up to 24 hours before departure for a full cash refund, minus the deposit.
“For a lot of our clients, it’s these little details that make a world of difference,” Selim said.
She was particularly impressed by Collette’s approach to feedback, after the company followed up when one client rated an aspect of the tour “good” rather than “very good”.
“Being in the industry for over 30 years, I’ve never seen anything like this before,” she said.
Ultimately, Selim says the combination of service, support and attention to detail gives her confidence when recommending Collette.
“As soon as we finalise that booking, we know the client has been taken care of.”
