SOLO TOURS Selling toSOLOS
Give your solo sales a boost with expert tips, from how to skip single supplements to using positive language about empowering adventures
Be proactive – create solo-specific sales events
Ashley Dellow, head of retail sales, Leger Shearings Group: “Some travel agents have been very proactive and created solo clubs, holding events where they bring
together single travellers and tour operators offering solo trips, to meet each other and talk about the products. One agent told me they had seen a 20% year-on-year increase in their solo holiday bookings. Solo tours are becoming more varied, exciting, cultural, active and themed – giving solo travellers the incentive and confidence to travel farther afield.”
Forget stereotypes – solo travel isn’t just for singles
Mark Henderson, head of specialist product, Incredible Journeys: “A common misconception of solo travel is that everyone on the tour is single or that you are completely
alone throughout the experience, which isn’t the case. Although ‘solo’ is in the name, these tours are led by local guides and attended by like-minded travellers who may have simply chosen to travel alone on this trip. Another misconception is that solo tours require travellers to share rooms, which isn’t always the case – Just You provides tours where no room sharing is required, and both Intrepid Travel and G Adventures offer own-room supplements for their tours. However, sharing rooms is a more cost-effective solution on some tours, if customers are happy to do so.”
Share other travellers’ tales to build confidence Shane Lewis-Riley, director of trade distribution, Titan Travel: “Share experiences from other solo travellers with your clients. Hearing first-hand accounts of the friendships
formed, the confidence gained and the memorable moments shared can be incredibly inspiring for those considering their first solo trip. By focusing on positive narratives, agents can build confidence and excitement around solo touring.”
travelweekly.co.uk 3 APRIL 2025 37 A common `
misconception is that everyone on the tour is single, which isn’t
the case. These tours DUH DƔHQGHG E\ OLNH minded travellers who have chosen to travel solo
Spread awareness with your existing clients Rachel Mould, UK head of trade sales, Just You: “People tend to think of a solo tour as something that is exclusively for single travellers, but at Just You, 20% of our guests are in
relationships – they simply choose to travel solo. This demonstrates the growing appeal of solo touring and helps to change the perception of what a solo traveller looks like, in turn driving awareness and growing the market. The sector needs agents to help spread awareness by tapping into their relationships with clients to suggest solo touring as a viable option – there’s a clear opportunity to engage and boost knowledge.”
Tour leaders take care of the logistics
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PICTURES: Matt Keal Photography; Shutterstock/charmedlightph
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