Abercrombie & Kent will launch a new destination management company (DMC) in the United States for the first time. The luxury travel company’s USA-based DMC division will commence operation from 1 January 2020, providing a range of ground services to travel advisors, tour operators, cruise lines and the MICE market, the latter of which is seen as a key focus.
“There is a growing global demand for luxury experiential travel in the US,” said Jonathan White, Abercrombie & Kent Executive VP, Destination Management. “We feel it is important to establish our own office in North America to guarantee the kind of insider access, personalised service and seamless attention to detail discerning travellers expect.”
Sujata Raman, Abercrombie & Kent’s Regional Director for Australia/South Pacific welcomed the addition of a destination management company in the US.
“Opening a DMC in the USA is an exciting move for A&K and plans are well underway for a luxury North America program which is scheduled for release early in 2020. Stay tuned,” Raman remarked.
The move comes as Abercrombie & Kent announced a new CEO, in Amerigo Perasso. All the details here.
Marco Polo Journeys expansion
Meanwhile, A&K has introduced three new limited-edition Marco Polo Journeys in 2020 to complement the luxury travel company’s existing collection. The new journeys will explore South Korea & Japan, Rwanda and India, as well as reintroduced guest favourites England and Turkey.
Abercrombie & Kent Marco Polo Journeys include privileged access to events and celebrations that lend each destination its unmistakable character. Each journey is limited to no more than 18 guests, opening up insider-access opportunities only possible for small groups, from private museum openings to visits with local people in their homes. Departures are guaranteed to operate with a minimum of two guests.
“Through Abercrombie & Kent’s offices around the world, we have crafted experiential journeys that appeal to travellers interested in venturing off the beaten path and delving deep beneath the surface of a culture,” explains Abercrombie & Kent President Keith Baron. “This luxury of experience is as easily found gorilla tracking in the jungles of Rwanda as it is in the private cellar of a château in Bordeaux.”
“With the release next month of the Downton Abbey movie, we’ve brought back England’s Stately Homes with some enhanced offerings, including a private tour with the owner of Kingston Bagpuize House, one of the places where the television show was filmed,” Baron said. “And we’re already seeing a resurgence of interest in Turkey; the combination of pent up demand with an increase in Tailor Made travel led us to reintroduce a Marco Polo small group journey.”
New for 2020
South Korea & Japan: Cultural Legacies of the East
Visit the demilitarised zone (DMZ) separating North and South Korea, including the Third Tunnel. Discover South Korea’s imperial legacy in the temples and monuments of historic Gyeongju. Take in a dazzling array of exotic seafood in Busan’s bustling Jagalchi, the largest fish market in South Korea. Savour the time-honoured tradition of a Japanese tea ceremony in a Kyoto temple. Learn the finer points of appreciating Japanese sake at a local brewery visit with a tasting. Ride like a local on a high-speed train along an iconic route passing majestic Mount Fuji. Experience the art of sushi-making with help from a local expert in Tokyo.
Eleven days from $21,945 per person twin share; two departures: 12-22 May, 13-23 October, 2020.
India Wildlife Safari
Set out on morning and afternoon game drives in Kanha and Bandhavgarh National Parks, home to rare exotic birds and the world’s largest concentration of elusive Bengal tigers. Become one with nature with authentic accommodations in the heart of India’s jungles and wildlife. Explore culturally diverse Delhi and the glorious Taj Mahal in Agra.
Eleven days $16,340 per person twin share; two departures: 12-22 October, 8-18 November, 2020.
Rwanda: Land of a Thousand Hills
See three of the world’s most iconic primates up close: chimpanzees, mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. Visit the Rwandan Genocide Memorial, and discover how the country has worked to move beyond its troubled past. Learn the art of making the perfect cup of Rwandan coffee with a visit to a coffeehouse. Meet the scientists at the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund’s Karisoke Research Center to learn about ongoing efforts to preserve this critically endangered species.
Nine days from $25,340; two departures: 16-24 June, 6-14 October, 2020.
Turkey: A Journey Through History
Explore Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace on private before-hours visits arranged exclusively for your group. Visit a traditional farmers market, then enjoy a cooking demonstration in the countryside. Privately cruise the Bosphorus, serenely passing palaces, mansions and gardens along the shore. Experience Cappadocian culture firsthand when you join a local family for lunch in their home.
Eleven days from $10,120; six departures: 11-21 May, 1-11 June, 31 August – 10 September, 7-17 September, 21 September – 1 October and 5-15 October, 2020.
England’s Stately Homes
Gain access to ornate Waddesdon Manor, including the Baron de Rothschild’s original wine cellars, for a tasting of fine wines. Tour Kingston Bagpuize House, a filming location for Downton Abbey, during a private visit. Explore the private apartments at Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, and home to over 300 years of British history. Enjoy private access to Badminton House, the country estate of the Duke and Duchess of Beaufort. Walk through the award-winning gardens of Sudeley Castle during a private tour with a local expert. Tour the State Rooms of Buckingham Palace during their annual summer opening.
Eight days from $15,210; two departures: 31 July – 7 August, 11-18 September, 2020.
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