In response to a growing trend for travellers visiting ‘dupe destinations’, Servantrip, the world’s leading B2B tours, activities and transfer platform, has responded with some tips for how travel agents and other intermediaries can tap into this trend.
Research from Skyscanner shows that travellers are searching for dupe destinations – alternative vacation spots that are more budget-friendly and less crowded than already-popular destinations – where they can enjoy new experiences. Skyscanner conducted a survey last year, revealing that 93% of travellers were willing to consider a less popular destination, with approximately 64% citing cost savings as a deciding factor. Examples of this shift included Milos, which offers stunning landscapes and beaches similar to Santorini but with fewer tourists, and Budapest, which boasts beautiful architecture and a rich cultural scene at a lower cost compared to Paris.
Meanwhile according to Arival’s 2024 U.S. Experiences Traveler Outlook, travellers are participating in a higher number of tours, activities, and attractions per trip than previously, increasing from 2.7 tours in 2019 to 4.7 tours in 2024, with similar growth in activities and attractions. Travellers want more and are increasingly prioritising experiences when planning their trips.
Servantrip feels that tours and activities could play a key role in the shift to dupe destinations and highlights that travellers need to be aware of the activities available at those destinations. Therefore the company feels that travel intermediaries have a great opportunity to boost their sales by cross-selling tours and activities.
“To ensure travelers going for dupe destinations make the most of the activities and attractions available, creating unforgettable experiences and memories, I recommend to B2B2C travel sellers such as travel agencies, OTAs, or tour operators a few key strategies,” says Manuel Núñez, CEO at Servantrip. “First, get clients to book in advance to secure tickets early and help them avoid long lines or sold-out situations. Guided tours can offer in-depth knowledge and hassle-free experiences. Stay flexible and have a backup plan, as weather or unforeseen circumstances can affect travellers’ plans. Prioritise must-see attractions by listing top choices and planning an itinerary around them. Finally, we recommend agents stay informed by checking for updates on opening hours, health guidelines, and any changes to attractions that they can let their clients know about.”
Fernando Santos, Director of Strategic Partnerships at TUI Musement, the Tours & Activities division of TUI Group, added: “We have built a curated portfolio of the most relevant experiences around the world, from activities in the best known destinations, to excursions in those off the beaten path locations. This is also reflected in products we develop, such as the great value TUI Collection experiences, or unique National Geographic Day Tours, which are available in over 100 different destinations.”
