Explore Worldwide Upgraded Collection Saw Growth
The travel company marked two years of success for its upgraded small-group tour range in 2026.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Australia and New Zealand
Explore Worldwide celebrated two years of expansion for its Upgraded travel collection, which saw a 74 per cent increase in tour departures throughout 2026. The series features small-group adventures paired with enhanced accommodations and special meals.
Why it matters
The growth reflects a rising consumer demand for travel experiences that offer a balance between authentic local immersion and higher levels of comfort. This trend has established Australia and New Zealand as the top-performing global markets for the brand.
The number of available Upgraded tour itineraries rose by 35 per cent in 2026, reaching a total of 31 options. In the ANZ market, specific demand surged with 250 per cent growth for Discover Vietnam and 150 per cent for Cycle Vietnam tours.
The players
Explore Worldwide
This is an international travel company that specializes in small-group adventure tours across the globe.
The details
Operated by expert local tour leaders, the collection focuses on providing deeper access to destinations through small groups. Itineraries such as Walking in the Algarve also experienced an 83 per cent surge in bookings among travelers in the Australia and New Zealand region.
Timeline
The Explore Upgraded collection officially launched in 2024.
The number of tour itineraries reached 31 during 2026.
Four additional tours are scheduled for the 2026-2027 season.
Travel Outlook
The expansion follows the broader industry trend of integrating higher service standards into traditional adventure tourism models. This shift highlights how operators are adapting to travelers who prioritize authenticity without sacrificing creature comforts.
Travelers looking to book these small-group experiences should monitor itinerary availability early, as high-demand routes like those in Vietnam are seeing significant booking volume. Planning during the shoulder season may provide better access to these premium-tier tour departures.
The takeaway
Travelers increasingly value the combination of local expertise and reliable comfort, suggesting a shift toward value-driven premium adventure. Consider prioritizing itineraries that utilize local guides to ensure the most authentic experience possible during your small-group travels.
What happens next
Explore Worldwide will introduce four additional tours to the Upgraded range for the upcoming 2026-2027 season.
Further reading
Find more inspiration for your next journey in our Australia and New Zealand section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Travel Weekly.
