Private Tours Mean Business

Can private tours be the key for tour operators to reopen their businesses?  In our first Global Tours Connect roundtable, we talked about the concerns for safety and comfort for guests, tour guides, and partners.  One of the primary obstacles discussed was the idea of blended tours with guests who didn’t know one another. Many ideas flowed (and we invite you to read more about the ideas shared in our takeaways follow-up). But what really lead the conversation was the idea of focusing on private tours so we decided to have another roundtable centered primarily on that.

Private Tours Discussion Takeaways

Here are some of the best ways to develop and market private tours stemming out of our conversation: 

COVID Mitigation

This has to be at the top of the list. Ensuring guests feel safe is essential. This is also incredibly important for your guides and your partners. Work with your state and local officials and proudly follow guidelines. This builds confidence with your future guests. They want to know you’re doing everything possible to provide a safe experience. 

Make Private Tours Bookable Online

Typically a tour operator could spend up to two or three hours on calls and emails with one client to close the private tour. That is a lot of manpower invested. Look at offering your primary tour as private only, or include a private option that is bookable directly through your website. This will cut down on calls and allow guests the opportunity to book when they’re ready. Check out  Juneau Food Tours for an example of how to set up a private tour that is bookable online. If you are selling open tickets, check out the great options to up-sell tours to private on Devour Tours and Carmel Food Tours.