Canadian advisors return from G Adventures FAM to Thailand
Fourteen Canadian travel advisors recently returned from an exhilarating, eight-day tour through Northern Thailand with G Adventures, as part of the National Geographic Journeys Collection.
The journey, led by G Adventures Global Purpose Specialist Ana Santa-Maria, who is based in Calgary, Alta., began in Bangkok, where advisors from across Canada made their way to the five-star luxury hotel, Shanghai Mansion for two nights, before heading west for Kanchanaburi, a city situated at the convergence of the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai Rivers. While in Kanchanaburi, the group of advisors visited the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre where they learned the significance of the Burma Railway’s involvement in the Second World War, then paid a visit to the nearby Kanchanaburi War Cemetery.
The following day, advisors departed for one of Thailand’s most famous waterfalls, the Erawan Falls, located in Erawan National Park, then continued to the city of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya.
While in Ayutthaya, advisors visited three temples, including the UNESCO site Ayutthaya Historical Park, centered on the old city which served as the Siamese capital from the 14th to 18th century.
The latter of the tour concluded in Chiang Mai, where advisors spent their time exploring captivating Buddhist temples decked out in gold, dining with a local family, perfecting Chiang Mai’s famous Khao Soi dish during a cooking class, and shopping at the city’s famous night market before departing from Bangkok.
An immersive experience
More than 400 Canadian travel advisors applied for the Thailand FAM, which ran from April 18 to April 25.
For many of those selected for the trip, this was their first trip to Thailand, as well as their first National Geographic Journey with G Adventures. “I have never been to Thailand before, or Southeast Asia, and I didn’t know what to expect,” shared Lynda Urtheil, an advisor with Total Advantage Travel & Tours in Toronto, Ont. “I’ve come to know that Thailand is a beautiful place with warm and friendly people, and I hope I’m able to sell this country so that other Canadians can see it, too.”
“There’s no better teacher than experience, and we wanted to show advisors what it’s like to travel with National Geographic Journeys in Thailand,” said Santa-Maria. “Changing the world through travel is kind of our thing and this FAM should show advisors how they’re a part of that every time they book their clients with G Adventures.”
“This National Geographic Journey with G Adventures provided a unique mix of adventure, learning, and cultural engagement that I’ll never forget. Among the many highlights, exploring Thailand with our knowledgeable local guide and Chief Experience Officer, Puy, stood out,” said Bria-Soleil Bynoe, owner, Via Bria Travel, who is based in Edmonton, Alta. “She demonstrated exceptional dedication, not only sharing insights into historical landmarks and temples but also patiently answering all our questions. Puy’s commitment to excellence ensured that every aspect of our journey was flawless.”
“I also really liked how the trip focused on sustainable travel and responsible tourism,” Bynoe continued. “It was evident that G Adventures prioritizes ethical practices, aligning perfectly with my own values. This commitment enhanced my appreciation for the experience, knowing that we were exploring the world in a way that respected both the environment and local communities.”
“The tour was so culturally immersive, and G Adventures did a great job of adding in enough down time,” added Tracey Gagnon owner, Waves_Your Needs In Travel, an agency in Calgary, Alta. “G Adventures has now provided me the tools and the first hand experience to confidently sell their company to my valued clients. I am forever grateful of the experience and can not wait to get back again to see more of Thailand and or any other National Geographic experience.”
“I can absolutely say this G Adventures National Geographic Journey did not disappoint,” added Deborah Buchanan, an advisor with The Travel Agent Next Door. “It was highly organized. The accommodations were superb and the tours were fantastic.”
About National Geographic Journeys by G Adventures
According to Santa-Maria, the demographic of travellers booking a National Geographic Journey tends to be aged 40 and up, but the tours are open to anyone eager to learn more the destination and immerse themselves deeply in local culture.
While Classic tours by G Adventures are known for their adventurous spirit, affordability, and focus on authentic cultural experiences, National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures offer a more immersive and educational experience and exclusive access to National Geographic-sponsored sites.
Both trip styles share the core values of adventure, authenticity, and responsible tourism, but the National Geographic Journeys elevate the experience with a unique educational component and elevated accommodations. Hotels, for example, tend to align with four and five-star properites, luggage transfers are included, and travellers can enjoy private air-conditioned vehicles for their journey.
“National Geographic Journeys are a more elevated and immersive experience—we like to call it adventure, enhanced,” Santa-Maria said. “National Geographic Journeys offer more inclusions than G Adventures Classic tours, but are still designed with community tourism at their core.”
Advisor incentives & upcoming FAMs
G Adventures has a series of incentives on now that travel advisors can take advantage of, including the annual Change Makers Summit, where 15 lucky advisors can qualify to attend GX India, an incredible community tourism summit.
“For the Swifties out there, we have our “You Belong With G” experience, where agents can win a ticket to The Eras Tour Taylor Swift Concert Experience,” Santa-Maria said. “There’s honestly never been a better time to book with G Adventures!”
Upcoming FAM opportunities with G Adventures include trips to Belize, Morocco, Utah and Colombia.
To learn more about National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures, click here.
