Top 5 Fastest Growing Group Travel Destinations for 2017 and Beyond

Now is the time to start planning group travel for 2017! Our top 5 fastest growing destinations will certainly not disappoint the group traveller wanting a good mix of culture, history, fascinating natural landscapes, culinary delights, and, of course, unique activities to satisfy everyone’s interests. From cuddling koalas to standing in awe on the site of ancient archeological wonders, the world awaits the “Globetrotting Groupie.”

Let our GroupsOnly division help you plan the perfect group travel itinerary for your clients!

Australia
The land Downunder is truly a group traveller’s dream destination. What’s not to like? There are many activities for every group member.

Snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef
Cruising Sydney Harbor – one of the most beautiful in the world
Watching a glorious sunset over Ayers Rock
Searching for koalas, kangaroos, and wombats in the wild
Listening to the stories of the Dreamtime, with an Aboriginal elder
Savouring the fresh delicacies from the sea or those perfectly chilled from the bottle

The best part…when the snow is falling in North America, the heat is on in Australia!

Sample Group Itinerary:
Australia: A Journey of Contrasts

China
The mysterious Middle Kingdom is on the radar of every group traveller. In fact, the World Tourism Organization projects that China will become the world’s most visited country by 2020. The iconic landmarks of Shanghai, Beijing, Xian, and Hong Kong are stalwarts of the group itinerary, but there is so much more to see and experience in this vast and varied land:

Endearing pandas of Chengdu
Mystical landscapes of Guilin and the Li River
The ancient network of remote towns along the famed Silk Road
Finding your inner Buddha in Luoyang
Getting lost in the quaint historic city of Lijiang
Delving into the mysteries of Shangri La

Sample Group Itinerary:
Discover China Ethnic Minority History and Culture Tour

Group visiting the Terracotta Warriors Museum, Xian

Ecuador
As the fastest growing group destination in South America, Ecuador has so much to offer as a “stand-alone” destination.

A well-known bucket list destination, Galapagos Islands, is a must-see inclusion on any group itinerary. The islands are blessed with a temperate climate and offer a multitude of unique experiences from expedition cruising, snorkelling, diving, and immersion into the fascinating natural history of the region.
Ecuador’s Amazon region beckons with its jungle lodges and cloud forests
the Andes stand tall, demanding innovative transportation such as the mountain switchback track of the Devils Nose Railway which will amaze even the most seasoned group traveller
Colonial towns of Cuenca and Quito, Ecuador’s capital, are charming places to visit
If the coast is a draw for your group, then be sure to include the modern, bustling town of Guayquil, located on the Pacific Coast.

Sample Group Itinerary:
Ecuador in Depth

Iceland
Increased accessibility from North America, combined with its remote location and relatively “untouched” culture and landscapes, has put Iceland on our list of fastest-growing group travel destinations. Having film locations for the wildly popular Game of Thrones tv series has not hurt, neither has the recent attention of Iceland’s national soccer team who qualified for the first time to play in this year’s UEFA Euro 2016 – beating out England and making it all the way to the quarterfinals! No doubt, you will work with a group that will want to explore this tiny island country and all it has to offer:

The tiny capital of Reykjavik is Iceland’s largest city and gateway to a land filled with rugged, snow-capped mountain ranges, glistening glaciers, dramatic volcanic peaks, and a multitude of geothermal springs.
The summer season is the most popular time to visit, with milder temperatures and a sun that barely sets – perfect for any special group event!
Enjoy a group experience in the winter season, when the Northern Lights are spectacular, the Brennivin is flowing, and the thermal spas Iceland is famous for are ready for warming you up.

Sample Group Itinerary:
Nature of Iceland

The Northern Lights are spectacular in Iceland

Greece
The lure of Greece for the group traveller has ebbed and flowed over the years but is now being “rediscovered”, especially by the Baby Boomer who wants to not only have the sun and beach experience but also delve deeper into the rich and varied history and culture of the country. There is so much to explore, and so many ways: There is so much to explore, and in so many ways: