G Adventures is preparing to conclude its impactful educational travel program for 2025, which has welcomed over 150 Canadian travel advisors across six continents. This initiative, comprising well-curated familiarization (FAM) trips, has provided agents with opportunities to explore iconic locations such as Japan, Peru, Greece, Morocco, New Zealand, Jordan, South Africa, the Galapagos Islands, Costa Rica, and Thailand. This program will officially close in December, marking a successful year of engagement and education.
Transformative Travel Experiences
The FAM trips are meticulously crafted to immerse Canadian travel agents in G Adventures’ mission of community tourism and ethical travel. David Green, VP of Sales and Managing Director for Canada, emphasized G Adventures’ agent-first ethos, stating, “These trips are designed to be unique in the industry. We focus on showcasing the ‘heartware’ of a destination, rather than just the surface-level attractions.”
Travel advisors venture beyond traditional tourist hotspots by engaging with local communities through Planeterra, G Adventures’ non-profit partner. This hands-on approach enables agents to understand how community tourism operates in real-world settings, enhancing their credibility when selling trips.
Client Impact Stories
Attendees of the FAM trips have reported transformative experiences that can be directly shared with clients. One traveler recounted a surprising encounter in the Galápagos: “A massive wild tortoise was mating with a much smaller partner, completely undisturbed by our presence.” Such moments become integral stories agents share, enhancing the personalized travel selling experience.
Another agent, who participated in the Japan Express FAM, spoke highly of the trip, stating, “From staying at a monastery to experiencing the buzz of Tokyo, each moment was enriching. Our CEO was a treasure trove of local knowledge, and this experience has undeniably boosted my confidence in selling Japan trips.”
Measurable Social Impact
The 2025 FAM program not only offered memorable experiences but also contributed to significant social impact, including the planting of over 1,200 trees globally as part of the Trees for Days project. Each tree planted correlates with a day an agent spent on their G Adventures FAM trip, directly benefiting local communities through initiatives supported by Planeterra.
Looking Forward: The 2026 FAM Season
Plans for the 2026 FAM season have already been announced, featuring enticing new trips across destinations like Costa Rica and Thailand. Highlights include:
- Eat and learn in Egypt: Agents can participate in a cooking class where traditional Egyptian bread is prepared by women from the Nawaya community, preserving their heritage.
- Temple talks in Thailand: Engage with monks in the Suthep district about their daily lives and beliefs, offering insight into Buddhist culture.
- Cloud canopy in Costa Rica: Explore the Monteverde Institute to learn about the Cloud Forest ecology and tropical reforestation efforts.
- Iconic Irish experience: Discover the Old Bushmills Distillery’s 400-year whiskey-making heritage, culminating in an exclusive tasting.
- Colombian coffee insights: Tour a family-run coffee farm to understand the cultivation process from bean to brew.
- Peruvian agricultural tours: Experience rural life and traditional cultivation techniques in the Andean community of Pampallacta.
Ongoing Support for Travel Agents
The commitment to travel agents extends beyond FAM trips. Erin Rogers, National Sales Manager for Canada, stated, “We see our agents’ success as our own. Our goal is to be the most supportive partner by providing access to training resources, year-round discounts, and our G Dollars incentive program.”
Travel agents interested in experiencing future G Adventures FAM trips or wishing to learn more about ethical travel initiatives can connect with their local Global Purpose Specialist (GPS) or join the G Adventures Canadian Agents of Change Facebook group for updates.
