CHICAGO — Abercrombie & Kent is investing heavily in more wildlife experiences as well as improved technology for travel advisors, the company announced at its A&K 100 Club event for best-sellers.
The luxury travel group has unveiled a $2.5 billion investment over the next five years that will introduce a host of new destinations and products, including camps, lodges and ships for ocean cruises, expedition and rivers.
The investment plan comes as Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group, said the company had a year of record growth that allowed it to expand its operations and product lines.
A&K will open a new destination management office in Mexico this year, reinforcing the company's continued investment in Latin America, which also includes the expansion of its sales teams. Last year, the company opened a destination management office in Costa Rica.
“In Latin America, particularly Mexico, Brazil and Argentina, we are expanding our sales team to support outbound agents there,” said Marett Taylor, director of sales for A&K Travel Group.
The company is also deepening its technology investments. A&K's Global Travel Advisor Portal, scheduled to launch in May, will streamline how advisors manage bookings and commissions, A&K said. Advisors will be able to indicate their home base in the portal, which will allow them to opt-in to invitations to local A&K events.
New wildlife destinations
Madagascar and Borneo will join A&K's small group travel portfolio in 2025. Stefanie Schmudde, A&K's senior vice president of global product strategy, said these destinations will offer an off-the-beaten-path experience that customers are looking for .
“We’re trying to include much more intrepid destinations,” Schmudde said.
In Borneo, visitors will explore rainforests on rivers and on land. They will also learn about the island's orangutans, including orphaned orangutans who are cared for and rehabilitated to return to the wild.
A&K's small-group tours in India will expand to the south of the country with new itineraries focusing on the region's history, landscapes and cuisine. And Sri Lanka will benefit from a new small group itinerary.
“It’s a fantastic destination that doesn’t get a lot of interest from the American market, but we’re trying to change that.” As we look to explore more types of off-the-beaten-path travel, Sri Lanka is perfect for that,” Schmudde said.
Ann Epting, A&K senior vice president for private jet and special interest travel, said demand for wildlife experiences has been strong since their introduction into the private jet program in February 2020 , attracting regular customers ever since.
“We are developing a new wildlife and nature itinerary for September 2024,” Epting said. “It’s a combination of wonderful and amazing wildlife experiences, but also destinations that feature natural wonders.”
In-depth culinary tours
Culinary offerings will be a priority for A&K as the company intends to expand its offerings in Southeast Asia and Europe, where Schmudde said customers can expect more in-depth and convenient culinary experiences .
Vietnam will be the first destination to host the brand's new wine and culinary journeys, which will begin in 2025, followed by Italy, France, Japan and China. These tours will explore the use of local ingredients, the role of food in culture, and provide opportunities to meet and dine with locals from the communities visited.
