Explore Worldwide Opens Toronto Office As Base For NA Expansion

Adventure company Explore Worldwide is looking to grow its foothold in North America through strategic senior hires and a renewed commitment to travel advisors. To grow awareness and business in the region, the company has named Katy Rockett as regional director for North America, based in Toronto.

Rockett brings 15 years of experience in adventure travel, including roles at Exodus Travels as general manager and director of growth and senior marketing positions at both Exodus and Intrepid Travel.

In her role, she will facilitate the business’s ambitious global plans to achieve 65% growth in the market by the end of 2024. Her focus areas are on delivering exceptional tours, customer service and marketing activity across the region. 

Based in Toronto, Katy Rockett is leading North American expansion efforts for Explore Worldwide. (Photo Credit: Explore Worldwide)

“I’m most excited about the opportunity to introduce travel advisors and travellers throughout the U.S. and Canada to this immersive and culturally enriching style of travel,” Rockett said. Her initial priorities are focused on expanding the Explore team in North America. Explore currently has representatives in the U.S. and will add more throughout Canada by summer.   

Explore Worldwide specializes in cultural and experiential tours to 100 countries around the world, with small group sizes that average 11 people. 

Managing Director Michael Edwards said, “Explore Worldwide is a 40-plus year old, trusted travel brand in the United Kingdom, and we believe our concept of adventure travel that focuses on cultural exploration with elements of walking, hiking, and biking, is growing in popularity for North American travellers.” Edwards noted Explore has seen post-pandemic growth of 56% in passengers from North America. 

“Our vision is to become among the largest sustainable, small group adventure tour companies in the North American market,” he continued. “The appetite to travel responsibly will become even more important in the coming years in this market, and as a purpose-led business, we’re excited about the opportunities to ‘Be Better Than Yesterday’ as we grow.”  

Earlier this year, Explore became a Certified B Corp, meeting the highest standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability, with an overall B impact score of 84.1.

Rockett noted that travel advisors will find many competitive advantages for Explore, including innovative itineraries with a blend of sightseeing and cultural experiences; expert local leaders who go beyond the guidebooks and get travellers into the heart of a destination; transfers included in tours; and competitive price points. 

Explore Worldwide says it allows travellers to visit new horizons while optimizing the value for their money. The trips are ideal for solo travellers, couples, and groups of friends, with an average trip length of 10 days. Nearly three-fourths (71%) of North Americans who book with Explore are solo travellers. 

A hiking trip with Explore Worldwide. (Photo Credit: Explore Worldwide)

A sample of new and notable tour highlights for 2024 include: 

Highlights of Mont Blanc: Adventurers on this new eight-day tour through France will witness awe-inspiring Alpine peaks and snowy glaciers on multiple day treks through places like Chamonix Valley and sections of the famed Tour du Mont Blanc. Rates from $2,990 CAD with available departures starting in July through September.   

Historic Baltic Republics: This 15-day tour entices travellers with guided walking tours of historic epicenters like Tallinn in Estonia, exploring the drifting sand dunes of Curonian Spit National Park, and pausing to appreciate baroque architecture. Rates from $3,690 CAD with available departures starting from July through September. 

Simply Japan: Visitors will experience a mix of modern and ancient Japan on this 14-day tour, starting with a fire ceremony at Tokyo’s oldest temple, Senso-ji Temple. The itinerary includes stays in a family-run ryokan and Buddhist temple; an optional day trip Hakone National Park boasting views of Mount Fuji; and a visit to Jigokudani Onsen, home to Japan’s famous snow monkeys. Rates from $6,480 CAD with departures available starting in June. 

A Taste of Sicily: Travellers on this eight-day tour will roam the historic Ballaro open-air market in Palermo; learn secrets of Sicilian cooking at a traditional farmhouse estate; partake in a chocolate tasting using methods dating back to the Aztecs in Modica; and more. Rates from $3,290 CAD with departures available in September and October.  

All rates based on double occupancy with single supplement rates available. Tours are subject to availability. For more information, click here.

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