Agent Selling Tips - Wildlife and Nature Experiences
10-Apr-2025
Category: News Stories
This month we're shining a spotlight on Wildlife and Nature Experiences in the Asia Pacific region. We've asked PATA Board Member & Director of Tell Tale Travel, Dee Edwards to give her top tips on selling wildlife and nature experiences in the Asia Pacific region
Selling Tips
Nature and wildlife experiences are now extremely popular with all demographics, from honeymooners to families and empty nesters. Make sure to match the pace of the individual holidaymakers: you may find the 30-something honeymooner may not be looking for as much action as a 70-something on their golden wedding getaway! Asia-Pacific may not have always been the obvious first port of call for nature and wildlife holidays, yet has lots to offer from the highest density of leopards in the world in Sri Lanka to birdwatching around crater lakes in Australian rainforest and sperm whale spotting in New Zealand.
As well as specific nature and wildlife itineraries from specialist operators for the hardcore enthusiast, look for itineraries with a mix of activities for example exploring the temples of Angkor in Cambodia can be combined with birdwatching early in the morning - avoiding the crowds is an added bonus. And finally, add experiences to more standard itineraries; even a beach holiday in Thailand’s Hua Hin can be made more interesting with an afternoon excursion to Kui Buri National Park, home to hundreds of wild elephants.
Recent booking trends
Flight prices finally coming down since the pandemic due to increased capacity have tempted people to book, we are increasingly seeing bookings for travel in the next 3 months, as well as for 10 or more months ahead.
More interest in activities that may have been considered niche in the past such as birdwatching often influence the holiday more than ticking off location names. Secondary and tertiary destinations have certainly benefited from this.
Forward booking predictions
Travellers are increasingly influenced by television, as well as social media. There will be increasing nature and wildlife travel linked to programmes, particularly David Attenborough’s Asia, though even White Lotus’s mischievous macaques may pique interest. As well as nature and wildlife, travellers will seek more local experiences and accommodation to make their travel seem more meaningful.
Selling Tips
Nature and wildlife experiences are now extremely popular with all demographics, from honeymooners to families and empty nesters. Make sure to match the pace of the individual holidaymakers: you may find the 30-something honeymooner may not be looking for as much action as a 70-something on their golden wedding getaway! Asia-Pacific may not have always been the obvious first port of call for nature and wildlife holidays, yet has lots to offer from the highest density of leopards in the world in Sri Lanka to birdwatching around crater lakes in Australian rainforest and sperm whale spotting in New Zealand.
As well as specific nature and wildlife itineraries from specialist operators for the hardcore enthusiast, look for itineraries with a mix of activities for example exploring the temples of Angkor in Cambodia can be combined with birdwatching early in the morning - avoiding the crowds is an added bonus. And finally, add experiences to more standard itineraries; even a beach holiday in Thailand’s Hua Hin can be made more interesting with an afternoon excursion to Kui Buri National Park, home to hundreds of wild elephants.
Recent booking trends
Flight prices finally coming down since the pandemic due to increased capacity have tempted people to book, we are increasingly seeing bookings for travel in the next 3 months, as well as for 10 or more months ahead.
More interest in activities that may have been considered niche in the past such as birdwatching often influence the holiday more than ticking off location names. Secondary and tertiary destinations have certainly benefited from this.
Forward booking predictions
Travellers are increasingly influenced by television, as well as social media. There will be increasing nature and wildlife travel linked to programmes, particularly David Attenborough’s Asia, though even White Lotus’s mischievous macaques may pique interest. As well as nature and wildlife, travellers will seek more local experiences and accommodation to make their travel seem more meaningful.
