If you’re searching for new product for 2023, look no further than The Adventure Connection!
We've rounded up some of the best new experiences offered by our DMC clients to inspire you this year.
Make chocolate in Madagascar, spot wildlife with San bushmen from a new camp in Botswana, get off-grid on a remote island retreat in Costa Rica, go glamping in style in Argentina, hop aboard a marine conservation cruise in the Maldives. Our professional DMCs are constantly innovating and developing new ideas. Read on to find out what we think is going to be big news in 2023.
In Africa...
Culinary experiences in Madagascar
Travel and food go hand in hand, and sampling a country’s traditional cuisine offers an authentic insight into its culture and people. With this in mind, the team at Tamàna have developed Tamàna Kitchen: a fun, immersive experience that introduces visitors to Malagasy tradition and culture through cooking and tasting. There are three different workshops, focusing on traditional dishes, Madagascan cocoa and Malagasy rum & spices.
A new lodge in Botswana
Bush Ways are excited about the opening of their new lodge, The Dune Camp. Located in a 43,000 hectare private game reserve bordering the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, The Dune will feature just eight en-suite chalets and a unique underground hide that offers unmatched wildlife viewing opportunities. As well as morning, afternoon and night game drives there will be the opportunity to explore the bush with a local San Bushman. And all for an extremely affordable nightly rate.
In Latin America...
Off grid retreat in Costa Rica
2022 was a boom year for visitors to Costa Rica. Finding hidden gems in Central America’s top tourist destination may be a challenge! Step in well-established DMC Swiss Travel, who know the best uncrowded spots. One of which is Isla Chiquita, a glamping retreat on a tiny island in Costa Rica’s undiscovered Gulf of Nicoya. The property was developed in harmony with its natural environment and visitors are encouraged to immerse themselves in the tropical surroundings. Not to be missed is the bioluminescence adventure.
Stylish glamping in remote Argentina
When ALCHEMY DMC suggested ‘Nomad Glamping in the Lake District’ for our Hot List they weren’t talking about the national park in Cumbria, but the epic, untouched wilderness that is Patagonia’s Lake District. For visitors seeking that “middle of nowhere” sensation, surrounded by pristine, natural beauty, coupled with extraordinary service and comfort levels, look no further. Glampers can enjoy hiking, rafting, mountain biking, cooking lessons and stargazing, before bedding down in comfortable tents complete with an eco-friendly toilet and shower. A private chef creates gourmet style meals, and beer and wine is included.
Educational experiences in Peru
Conde Nast Traveler has chosen Ollantaytambo, in Peru’s Sacred Valley, as one of the best places to visit in 2023. If you’re not featuring this impressive Inca site in your Peru programme, you should be! Experienced Peruvian DMC, Coltur, offers curated experiences in the region such as hiking through the Choquechaka Conservation Area, exploring the Pumamarka Ruins & visits to inspirational local projects. One not-to-be-missed experience in the Ollantaytambo region is a visit to the Alqa museum. Owners Johana and Antonio are passionate about the folk art of the Andes and keeping the traditional artistic expressions of the Andes alive. They will personally guide your clients through the collection, sharing the stories behind the artworks.
In Asia...
Pakistan's 'Big Five'
Professional DMC, The Wander, have launched a once-in-a-lifetime, transformational trip that should be on the bucket list of all adventure travellers. Only in Pakistan is it possible to visit the base camps of five peaks above 8,000m in one trip, and The Wander’s Big 5 trip does just that. It’s a challenging itinerary, both physically and mentally, and ticks off the base camps of Nanga Parbat, K2, Broad Peak and Gasherbrum I & II, in 25 days.
Family friendly Nepal
Nepal is not just a playground for adults. The country offers a host of family friendly adventures for all ages and interests, and Himalayan Quests have created some new family focused itineraries that include pottery classes, responsible interaction with rescued elephants and kayaking across Phewa Lake. Tell Himalayan Quests about your client’s interests and family make up and they will build a Nepali family trip of a lifetime!
Sustainable tours in Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan DMC NoviNomad have developed three tours that travel in an eco-friendly way and bring positive benefits to the local communities. A 10-day mountain biking tour pedals across mountain passes and along ancient nomad trails. Hikers can also appreciate the mountains on a 12-day trekking tour, staying in yurt camps. The final tour delves into the Kyrgyz nomadic lifestyle, with a focus on Kyrgyz women and changing traditions.
Marine Life Conservation Cruise in the Maldives
Secret Paradise have launched an inspiring 7-night Marine Life Conservation Cruise, following a successful pilot trip at the end of 2022. This unique, educational itinerary will operate on a bi-annual basis, and is perfect for anyone with a passion for the ocean and responsible travel. Participants will learn about marine life and have the opportunity to assist with data capture. Expect to see whale sharks, turtles, reef sharks, morays, eagle rays, dolphins and abundant tropical fish life.
New tours in Vietnam
Footprint have created two new Vietnam itineraries for 2023. The 21-day Local Adventure Experience is perfect for active adventure lovers looking to get off the beaten path and includes trekking, cycling, hill tribe visits and staying in homestays. The 18-day Agricultural Tour offers a unique, authentic insight into Vietnam’s agriculture and the lives of local farmers.
Authentic experiences in Indonesia
It can be a challenge to discover authentic experiences on Bali, that are away from the tourist places. Happy Trails have created a tour that escapes the crowds and educates visitors about local Balinese life. We won’t mention the specifics (we don’t want the location to become ‘popular’!) but think rural Bali, local village, delicious homecooked lunch. Happy Trails have also developed an inspirational tour on the neighbouring island of Lombok. The tour visits a village in the rural heart of the island, where community projects have been launched to enhance opportunities for the locals, especially the youth. The tour guide will be from the successful English learning program, and activities include cycling through the rice paddies, making sweet snacks with the village women and, of course, a home-cooked lunch.
Eco-tourism package in Borneo
Happy Trails have created a new overnight package in an eco-tourism village on the Kinabatangan River in Borneo. This community venture aims to generate a sustainable long-term income for the local people, in co-existence with the remaining rainforest ecosystems. Staying overnight with the villagers, visitors can enjoy river cruises and wildlife sightings, and really get to know the community.
Rainforest lodge in Malaysia
Malaysia’s Rompin State Park is one of the oldest tropical rainforests in the world and home to an incredible diversity of flora and fauna. Happy Trails have partnered with the recently opened Rompin Rainforest Lodge to create a new package that explores the natural beauty of this pristine forest, and includes hiking, kayaking and wildlife spotting.
In Europe...
Sustainable travel in Greece
From summer 2023 brand new, superfast trains will operate between Athens and Thessaloniki. A trip that takes around seven hours by car and previously six hours by train will be possible in just 3.5 hours! Not only speedy, but a much more sustainable way to travel. Betis Travel have created a new six-day package that takes advantage of these fast trains and includes Athens, Thessaloniki and the UNESCO-listed Meteora monasteries.
Street Art in Madeira
Madeira may not be the first destination that springs to mind when researching street art tours! However, urban art installations, paintings and murals are popping up across the island. Seizing the moment, DMC Madeira have created a Street Art Tour that discovers the work of Bordalo II, who famously creates 3D graffiti from rubbish, and Funchal's 'Open Doors Art' project that ‘brings life’ to the doors of abandoned buildings.
New flights for 2023
Virgin Atlantic will launch a winter seasonal three-times weekly service to the Maldives from London Heathrow from 22 October 2023.
Greek carrier AEGEAN will begin a seasonal connection between Athens and Newcastle for summer 2023. Flights will operate twice a week from 14 June.
Vietnam Airlines has increased their frequency of flights between London and Vietnam. In 2023 they will operate four flights a week between London and Hanoi, and three a week between London and Ho Chi Minh City.
From March 2023, British Airways will once again operate non-stop flights from London to Buenos Aires.
If you're feeling inspired and spotted an experience or a DMC of interest, please get in contact for more information: gemma@theadventureconnection.com
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