Kensington, Collette, & Explore Worldwide: Tour Operator News Roundup

While most of the tour news from across the industry is covered on TMR’s Packaged Travel page, here is a roundup of the rest of the happenings in the world of tour, with news from Kensington, Collete, Explora Worldwide, and Tauck.

Kensington launches luxury ski experiences

Kensington, a specialist in custom and private guided tours, has launched a new line of luxury ski journeys. The new product, “Ski the World, Differently,” caters to the growing demand for adventure and sport-themed travel, said Helen Giontsis, president of Kensington, in a press release.

The Ski the World, Differently itineraries combine luxurious resort accommodations with convenient slope access, and include everything guests need: ski passes, equipment rentals, and private ski guides and lessons. Kensington will roll out the ski itineraries in two phases across eight countries and 16 world-renowned ski resorts.

Kensington also recently introduced luxury itineraries crafted around the prestigious worlds of Golf and Sport Event Travel, including the iconic Wimbledon Championships.

For more information about Kensington’s sports and adventure packages, visit https://www.kensingtontours.com/.

Collette expands Explorations

Collette is celebrating the 15th anniversary of its Explorations packages. Collette introduced the small group tours product line in 2008, and since then, it has grown from its 10-tour pilot launch to over 50 itineraries today.

Recent additions include: “Gems of Greece” in Athens, Naxos, and Crete; “Namibia & South Africa: Epic Landscapes & Wildlife” featuring Etosha and Kruger National Parks, and Cape Town; and, “Portugal’s Old World Charms” featuring Douro Valley, Alentejo, and Lisbon.

“Nearly two decades ago, we saw the rising trend of small group tours. We were quick to innovate, especially to seize the opportunity to bring a small group product line to the travel advisor community,” said Jaclyn Leibl-Cote, Collette’s CEO.

“Everything we do at Collette is informed by traveler and travel advisor feedback, and the evolution of Explorations truly embodies that,” she added.

Explore Worldwide adds 20 new tours to 2025 slate

Explore Worldwide announced this week the addition of 20 new tours to its 2025 slate, which includes five news destinations for the small group adventure specialist.

These new tours “evoke mind, body and an adventurous spirit through transformative travel experiences,” the company said in a release. The collection includes walking and cycling experiences, a “Finnish Lapland Winter Adventure” that includes skiing and husky sledding, and a spiritual journey through India.

“Explore has seen a 22% increase year-over-year in North American travelers seeking out these type of travel experiences, and we expect to see that grow by 33% for 2025,” says Katy Rockett, regional director of North America for Explore Worldwide.

For more information on Explore’s new tours, visit https://www.exploreworldwide.com/travel-agents.

Tauck unveils Music of America tour

Tauck and filmmaker Ken Burns have partnered on a new tour inspired by America’s musical history. “Music of America: Nashville to New Orleans” takes guests on a nine-day guided tour, exploring the roots of country, blues, jazz, and rock and roll music. Highlights include a private tour of Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame, a live performance at the iconic Grand Ole Opry, an exclusive after-hours visit of Elvis Presley’s Graceland home, a private jazz performance at New Orleans’ Preservation Hall, and more.

Tauck is offering departures in March through May, and in September and October. Travelers can choose between small group departures that average just 24 guests each and classic size (maximum 40). Many of the spring departures have already sold out.

“Music of America” is the latest addition to Tauck’s Ken Burns American Journeys portfolio. The new collaboration marks the 15-year partnership with the filmmaker, who is known for his award-winning documentaries chronicling America’s past.