Tauck Turns 100 – And Why It Matters to Travel Advisors

100 years ago this summer, a young traveling salesman named Arthur Tauck Sr. indulged a whim by bringing six paying passengers along on a six-day, 1,100-mile sales trip through New York and New England. Each morning Tauck and his guests would visit interesting sites along the way, before stopping mid-day at the resort hotel that would host his small group that evening. After having lunch with his guests, Tauck would make sales calls to local clients each afternoon while his guests enjoyed their resort’s amenities. Tauck initially planned no other trips, but when he later received multiple word-of-mouth inquiries about future departures, he decided to launch his eponymous tour company.

Today Tauck is an undisputed industry leader, offering more than 170 land journeys and cruises to 70+ countries and all seven continents. And while the company has obvious reason to celebrate its upcoming centennial, it’s also worth highlighting the many important ways that Tauck’s longevity benefits its travel advisor partners:

• Driven by values. 100 years after its founding, Tauck remains a family-owned company still driven by deeply held values and a shared sense of purpose that were first articulated by Arthur Tauck Sr. – and today are embraced by the Tauck family and the company’s employees alike. Tauck is dedicated to enhancing people’s lives through travel, and to putting people first. To continually moving forward. And to doing the right thing by acting with integrity and respect.

• Unmatched experience = repeat business. Few companies can match Tauck’s century of experience, and the value of the company’s incredible expertise is evidenced by the legendary satisfaction and loyalty of its customer base. Over half of the company’s guests each year are returning Tauck travelers, and it’s not unusual for guests to have traveled with Tauck on 20, 30, 40 or more different trips. It’s no wonder travel advisors frequently say “I only have to sell clients on Tauck once.”

• An innovative and ever-evolving portfolio. Tauck has demonstrated a commitment and ability to innovate and adapt its portfolio to best serve its travel advisors and guests. What started as a small New England tour operator now offers award-winning safaris in Africa, expedition cruises to Antarctica, river cruises on Europe’s inland waterways, Tauck Bridges family travel adventures and much, much more.

• All-inclusive (and all-commissionable) pricing. From day one, Tauck has included virtually everything in one up-front price, with no hidden costs or surprises. Tauck guests enjoy the convenience and peace of mind in knowing that all major travel expenses are paid for in advance, and advisors enjoy the satisfaction of earning commission on each and every component built into Tauck’s prices.

• Strong supplier relationships. Just as advisors rely on companies like Tauck to serve their clients, Tauck partners with its own network of global suppliers to deliver superb service, unique access, and peace of mind on every journey. In many cases Tauck’s relationships with suppliers go back several decades, forging the kinds of bonds that compel hotels, coach companies, unique venues and noted experts to go “above and beyond” for Tauck’s guests

• Expertise when things go wrong. Extreme weather and other events can impact travel anywhere in the world, and Tauck has earned high praise from guests and advisors over the years for successfully dealing with floods, earthquakes, political unrest and more – all while keeping the safety and wellbeing of its guests and employees as its very highest priorities.

So yes, Tauck’s 100^th anniversary next year is truly an occasion to celebrate – for Tauck and its travel advisors alike!

From the Sponsor:

Tauck is the only company ever honored by Travel + Leisure magazine as the “World’s Best Tour Operator & Safari Outfitter,” “World’s Best River Cruise Line,” and “World’s Best River Cruise Line for Families.” Guests on Tauck’s global portfolio of journeys truly “Travel Beyond Ordinary,” enjoying enriching, in-depth explorations that reveal the culture and charms of each destination. Founded in 1925, Tauck offers more than 170 journeys to 70+ countries and all seven continents, including classic land tours, European river cruises, small ship ocean cruises and Tauck Bridges adventures designed just for families. In recent years, the company has also introduced its popular Small Group land journeys (averaging 24 travelers) and Smaller Group tours (averaging just 15 travelers).

Each Tauck journey reveals the rich, engaging, cultural “story” of the featured destination, combining must-see attractions with insider access to authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences that are either unavailable or unknown to most travelers. In addition, every Tauck journey is led by an experienced, Tauck Director guide who shares insightful commentary and observations, and each trip is backed by Tauck’s legendary “do it for you” service. And Tauck’s journeys are virtually all-inclusive, with every major component included in the price.