The travel boom post-pandemic, often termed “revenge travel,” has seen a surge in tourists flocking to various destinations. However, not all travelers are looking for crowded experiences. The trend is leaning towards more private, personalized experiences
Island Routes, established in 2009, has evolved its offerings over the years. While they began with group tours, they now provide private and custom experiences, though all three options are still available. The company recently launched 12 new offerings in Jamaica, its birthplace, and is in the process of expanding these options to other islands.
Their Private & Bespoke Collection primarily focuses on cuisine, water-based activities, and cultural and historical experiences, though there are intersections. While the private experiences are pre-designed packages, any further customization falls under the bespoke category.
A report by Arival, titled “Outlook for Travel Experiences 2019-2025,” highlighted the potential of the travel experience sector. With global gross bookings amounting to $254 billion in 2019, this figure is expected to climb to $260 billion by 2024. This makes travel experiences the third-largest tourism sector, following transportation and accommodations.
Some of Island Routes’ latest offerings in Jamaica include a hike in the Blue Mountains, a powerboat adventure with a beachside lunch, bamboo river rafting paired with a riverside lunch, and a unique culinary experience with two chef sisters in a renovated 16th-century Spanish villa. Veno elaborated on the latter, “Apart from cooking, these chefs delve into the history of jerk cuisine and its origins, providing a rich, immersive experience.”
Island Routes’ presence in a destination is crucial for its operations. For instance, they don’t operate in Puerto Rico simply because they don’t have a base there. However, they’re gearing up to introduce new experiences in locations like Barbados, St. Lucia, Grenada, and the Bahamas. Moreover, 2024 will see them expanding to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, coinciding with the opening of Beaches Resorts’ fourth resort. While both entities fall under Sandals Resorts International, they operate independently.
Island Routes is set to showcase its Private & Bespoke Collection in upcoming roadshows. Veno concluded, “The market trend is clear. Travelers are seeking genuine, authentic experiences. Our goal is to take them beyond the confines of their resorts or hotels, offering a true taste of the destination.”
Add comment