Bookings are down but not “dramatically” at Brendan Vacations, says President Don Cooper. “We’re still getting enormous support from agencies.”
Almost all of Brendan’s bookings are through agents.
A fundamental change from brick-and-mortar to home-based agencies has helped boost the agent community and cut costs.
New initiatives by Brendan this year include expanded family tours.
“The reason for that is the demographics are changing, whereas five years ago, it would be older people going on tours. That age demographic has come down and people in their 50s want to bring grandchildren,” Cooper said.
New tours include an eight-day Rocky Mountain journey. “They offer something called a cattle stampede which is particularly of interest to kids,” Cooper said.
The tour group is also offering 10 percent savings for children aged 5 to 17.
Another initiative is personal dining opportunities, which are being expanded at Brendan. “I like to call it intimacy or unique experiences,” Cooper said.
Brendan is also offering add-ons such as car rentals and “independent” vacations where participants select their own itineraries.
Short cruises are offering another opportunity for expansion such as an expanding array of trips within Vietnam.
By David Wilkening
