Cox and Kings Reflects on 265 Years in Business

Travel’s come a long way, baby. 2023 marks the 265th anniversary of the first travel agency, Cox and Kings—the tour operator company, specializing in escorted global tours, which was founded in 1758 in India.

Since then, the travel agency industry has hit some turbulence through the years and has also taken off in many directions.

Luxury/adventure tour operator Abercrombie & Kent UK acquired Cox & Kings UK in 2019. Note: These are the UK and not the American branches of both companies—Abercrombie & Kent UK is operated separately from Abercrombie & Kent USA and their markets and styles of operation are distinct, though both are owned by the same holding company, the Abercrombie & Kent Group. As a result of the A&K purchase, Cox & Kings maintains its status as the oldest surviving tour operator in the world.

A&K debuted 60 years ago in 1962, founded by Geoffrey Kent and his parents. Over the past six decades, the company has charted an innovative course and has become the world’s largest luxury travel company specializing in safari adventures with travel and tour operations offered in one-hundred-plus countries on all seven continents, with support 24/7 from a network of more than 55 offices.

Just a couple of decades ago, technology was predicted to be the kiss of death for travel agencies but in reality, has become the chef’s kiss. Thanks to the Internet, clients are more educated about what they want and where making the travel advisor’s job easier in many cases. Also, the dizzying amount of information on the internet highway can become so overwhelming and confusing that many clients are, once again, hitchhiking a ride with a savvy travel advisor rather than go it alone.

And, the advancement of technology has revealed another unexpected twist in travel in recent years, especially since the pandemic. While we are connected, we are actually more disconnected than in the past, says A&K’s Kent.

“In our 24/7 world, we live in a state of paradox—so many of us feel we need to be connected, to have constant wi-fi access, yet we crave the peace of a digital detox,” he says. “There is so much appeal to being unplugged in places like Africa or Antarctica. One of the greatest luxuries today is silence.”

And those long moments without gadgets leave space for creativity and true connection for families and friends, says Kent, something that only truly happens in remote places. “Our team in Morocco worked hard to design handcrafted caidale-style tents for our desert camp—like those once used at palaces to welcome guests—it is the silence of the desert that guests remember much more than the luxury.”

Through the years, time has also become the ultimate luxury, says Kent. Many of A&K’s guests have worked their entire lives and raised a family and have finally retired comfortably or they are still doing both but need a break, he says, “but they don’t have forever to explore the world.”

They’re also planning bigger, more rewarding trips to celebrate missed milestones and to reconnect with family and friends.

“Go big is the sentiment of the day,” says A&K’s Stefanie Schmudde, VP Product Development and Operations. “Most people have lost two years working on their travel bucket list. In fact, she says, groups of family and friends are up by 25% compared to 2019.

There’s a very strong demand for African safaris, says Schmudde. “Safaris were the original form of experiential travel, the kind of travel that challenges your understanding of the world,” she says.

And, demand for Europe has also been strong for both small group and tailor-made travel, especially to Italy, France, Greece, Spain, and the UK, says Schmudde. As well as growing interest in India, Vietnam and Angkor Wat. And Japan continues to be the most requested destination in Asia.

Also trending: Trips are longer, says Schmudde. And guests are splurging.

“A&K’s journeys worldwide by private jet sold out quickly and we are seeing unprecedented demand for our regional Wings Over the World itineraries featuring private air,” says Schmudde.

And expedition cruising is leading the return to cruising. “The very elements that define it—remote destinations, small ships, outdoor adventures and a focus on learning—closely align with what travelers value most right now,” says Schmudde.

In fact, Abercrombie & Kent has expanded its portfolio of expedition cruises to all seven continents with two new itineraries that emphasize adventure, one that begins in Africa and the other from French Polynesia to Easter Island.

“These voyages focus on observing wildlife and exploring places of historic significance in small groups led by highly-experienced guides,” says Schmudde. For example, itineraries include learning about the conservation efforts that have preserved 152,000 giant tortoises in Aldabra Atoll, as well as an opportunity to trace the history of the HMS ‘Bounty’ voyage through French Polynesia. In 2023 and 2024, several new itineraries will be offered, including Cruising the Seychelles & Coastal Tanzania.

Community and sustainability are travel buzzwords for 2023 and beyond. And travelers and travel agencies are embracing the idea of making a difference in the world.

Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy delivered more than $2 million dollars in emergency relief and medical supplies to people whose livelihoods depend on wildlife and heritage tourism, says Schmudde. “It continues to support community partners making a difference in education, health care, conservation, and enterprise development with more than 40 projects impacting the lives of 125,000 men, women and children across the globe.”