Daryl Raven, Global General Manager, Back-Roads Touring

Back-Roads is the top provider of small group tours in Europe and the UK for mature, like-minded travellers wanting to discover the world’s local cultures by travelling off the beaten track. With more than 25 years of experience Back-Roads built its brand on integrity rooted in expert local knowledge, sustainable tourism, culinary excellence and premium boutique accommodation, says Daryl Raven, Global General Manager, Back-Roads Touring in this edition of Friday 5.

1. Why is small group touring such an effective way to see Europe and the UK?

“We’re able to get closer to the real destination on the road less travelled as much of Europe and UK’s best bits are hidden in small villages and down back roads.

“With a small group size, we are not limited to only offering mass tourist inclusions, but can dine in authentic family-owned restaurants and take our travellers into the homes of locals to hear their stories.

“The experiences are truly local, allowing customers to get closer to the destination they’re visiting and the people who know it best: the locals.”

2. At a time when other companies are jumping on the small group touring bandwagon, how are Back-Roads Touring’s decades of experience with this travel style an asset?

“We know our customers, we know what makes our product so special, and we are passionate about delivering it!

“While other generalist operators may start to jump into this sector, we will remain the specialists, and as such are able deliver a more genuine experience. We’ve been getting to know our customers for over 30 years, refining our offering in tune with demand every step of the way.

“Because of that, we have a high repeat purchase rate, with nearly 30% of our passengers in 2017 having travelled with us previously.

“In this sector it’s hard to beat a loyal and happy past customer base and that’s why our extensive experience will be an asset.”

3. Back-Roads’ itineraries emphasize culinary excellence and boutique accommodation. Any examples?

“On the Tuscan Treats & Cinque Terre tour, Back-Roads travellers stay in a hotel inside the town-walls of Lucca, which is one of only four guest houses in town – it’s really special! In a Tuscan country house on the same tour, customers are also treated to a cooking lesson by the resident chef to learn the secrets to the region’s delicious cuisine.

“Some of our tours include a visit to a Michelin-starred restaurant, such as Rick Stein’s bistro in Padstow on the popular Corners of Cornwall tour and the hidden gem we take travellers to in Basque country on the Highlights of Northern Spain tour.

“On the Slow Food Tour of Puglia, travellers stay in an 18th century hotel with walls covered by colourful bougainvillea, as well as a 5-star villa in the Apulian country side. Culinary highlights of this itinerary include an artisan cheese tasting at Caseficio Famiglia Olanda, sampling a genuine fishermen’s catch in Gallipoli and wine tasting Puglia’s indigenous grapes.”

4. What special role do travel agents play in connecting travellers with Back-Roads Touring product?

“Travel agents can be great storytellers and stories are the best way to bring our tours to life. Our hope is that they can convey the authenticity that epitomizes the Back-Roads product to their customers, emphasizing the personal touch that’s so unique to our tours through their personalized approach to their customers.

“The best travel agents will understand that a Back-Roads customer is a more refined type of traveller. Someone who wants to peel back the shutters and look deeper into a destination or region. Agents who can read their customers well, and connect the right product to their unique vacation needs, are the ones who we treasure and make an impact. We’ve seen this success first-hand in our partnership with DH Tours in Canada.”

5. You recently joined Back-Roads Touring and have been travelling the world to immerse yourself in the brand, product and operations. When you finally get to take a break, what Back-Roads Touring itinerary would you most like to take and why?

“That’s right! It has been an incredibly enjoyable period of discovery and learning for me, and I’m excited to work with such a talented team.

“If I had enough time at my disposal, I would be very greedy and book two tours that interconnect. That’s another amazing benefit of our style of short regional tours (max. 12 days), they make building an extended itinerary very simple.

“First on my list is the ‘Flavours of Northern Croatia & Slovenia’ tour to sample the specialties of the Istrian Peninsula, known as little Italy, and experience the nouvelle cuisine, Slovenian style, on the shores of picturesque Lake Bled. Then I’d jump on the ‘Croatian Islands Sailing’ tour up the Dalmatian coast and get back to nature in the secluded bay of Miljet and undiscovered Lastovo Island.

“How could you pick just one of those? Now fingers crossed I get some time to go, and when I do, that they’re not already sold out!

“We’ll be offering discounts on selected 2018 itineraries starting later this month, so watch this space.”