Small-Group Touring: The Rising Trend in Travel for 2026
Small-group travel continues to gain immense popularity in the post-pandemic landscape, with tour operators predicting this trend will accelerate significantly in 2026. Such tours not only appeal to Canadian travelers but also promise higher earnings for travel advisors.
According to Denise Harper, Managing Director of Sales for the Globus family of brands in Canada, small-group tours are currently the most profitable segment for advisors. “Canadians are gravitating toward intentional, intimate, and immersive travel experiences,” Harper explains. “Small Group Discovery tours provide opportunities for deeper connections, a reduced number of fellow travelers, and a strong sense of community. This premium appeal comes with premium pricing, which translates directly into greater commissions for advisors.”
As more travelers abandon traditional FIT (Fully Independent Travel) for guided tours, Harper emphasizes the changing narrative in the travel industry. “Advisors should spotlight how modern touring combines the freedom of personal exploration with the ease and value of organized travel. Highlighting Small Group Discovery tours as a sophisticated alternative to DIY trips will enable advisors to maximize their earnings in 2026,” she remarks.
New Adventures: Hiking and Walking Trips
CIE Tours also notes that small-group touring ranks highly among emerging travel preferences. The company’s newest offerings include Ireland Walking & Hiking trips, which align perfectly with the growing demand for nature-centric, active travel experiences. “These tours accommodate just 16 guests and merge light hiking with cultural excursions,” says Rosanne Zusman, Chief Commercial Officer at CIE Tours.
“For 2026, group travel is projected to offer significant profit potential, whether through customized trips or existing itineraries that present exceptional value,” Zusman adds. A single group booking can lead to dozens of travelers, thus amplifying the trip’s value and offering extensive opportunities for pre-and post-excursion arrangements.
Strategic Group Travel Opportunities
CIE Tours boasts strong partnerships in Ireland, giving advisors robust support and high-margin options. “Our long-standing relationships with hotels, attractions, and local guides ensure seamless experiences for travelers,” Zusman says. She encourages advisors to specialize in group travel for Ireland and Britain, utilizing CIE’s Inclusive Advantage, which simplifies budgeting and enhances booking conversions. “Initiate conversations with families, social clubs, and community organizations early, as this will position you to tap into lucrative group travel in 2026 and beyond,” she advises.
Spotlight on Europe’s Emerging Destinations
Europe remains a leading destination for Canadian travel advisors, with Transat predicting even greater opportunities in the coming years. “Europe continues to perform exceptionally well, especially for multi-destination tours and curated experiences,” states Renée Boisvert, Vice-President of Tour Operator Products & Sales at Transat.
To capitalize on this trend, Transat is expanding its offerings to include new destinations such as Istanbul and Agadir. Boisvert suggests that advisors stay updated through Transat’s regular webinars and focus on upselling premium services: “Encourage your clients to enhance their travel experiences with options like Club Class upgrades and Signature Luxury Collection hotels to increase both value and commission possibilities.”
Air Canada Vacations also reflects on the lucrative potential of Europe, particularly through its curated, multi-country itineraries. Erminia Gallina, Director of Sales, comments, “For 2026, travel advisors should prioritize Europe, specifically multi-country experiences that veer off the conventional tourist paths.” She emphasizes that pre-packaged tours—including flights, transfers, accommodations, and excursions—allow advisors to sell confidently while optimizing time and earnings.
Gallina encourages leveraging ACV’s Key Account Managers for sales maximization. “Stay engaged with ACV’s sales team for insider tips, destination knowledge, and training opportunities. Our upcoming tools and emerging destinations will enable advisors to seize Europe’s earning potential in 2026,” she concludes.
