Does the Tauck Difference make all the difference? Scott Peters, former Tauck Tour Director and now US National Account Manager, says “100%, yes”. And not only because he met his wife while working with Tauck! Also for the special touches they bring to every tour. We got the low-down from Scott, plus his top tips for selling Tauck to your clients.
What has made Tauck an appealing company to work for?
I had the pleasure of meeting Arthur Tauck Jr, our founder’s son, on a casual trip to Playa Del Carmen in Mexico. After later hearing him speak at a tour director symposium and job fair, did I realise what Arthur, and Tauck, were all about. His leadership was impressive, and I knew I only wanted to work for Arthur and his team. It was the best professional decision I have ever made.
Tell us about some of the after-hours/bespoke experiences you get to lead guests on
The after-hours visit to the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel is a classic. Most people see the Sistine Chapel with thousands of other tourists after waiting in long queues to enter. It’s a very harried and stressful experience, with the Vatican guards frequently yelling “Silencio” and “no photos” to protect the chapel.
With Tauck, we go after-hours when the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel are closed to the public! It’s a remarkable experience for our guests as it’s peaceful, with no yelling or bustling crowds.
Plus, our local guides/historians fully explain the beauty of the ceiling, and guests have even laid on the floor to photograph it. You can’t do that when it’s open to the public!
I’ve also taken guests to Giverny, the Gardens of Monet. Tauck arranges to be the first group to enter, allowing the guests to see the gardens – not a sea of heads – in peace.
It’s also special to visit the Louvre after-hours. To see this museum when it is not overrun with visitors is amazing to behold. You can even easily walk up to the Winged Victory and the Mona Lisa!
What has been a standout moment in your time at Tauck?
Sailing past the Island of Stromboli in the Aeolian Islands off the coast of Sicily at night springs to mind as a standout. It’s one of the most active volcanoes in the world.
On this memorable occasion, the ship’s captain loitered about a half mile off the coast while our guests were up on the sundeck enjoying their aperitifs and our pastry chef’s fancy desserts. The volcano was erupting in the background under a full moon, and I found the absolute look of joy and surprise on the guests faces so inspiring.
Where have you travelled with Tauck, and what have been your career highlights?
I have visited Europe, Asia, and South America with Tauck; around 75-80 countries in total!
My career highlights include working as a US Director, first in Colorado, followed by New England. I also worked and directed a multitude of Small Ship Cruising itineraries, with my then-new wife, along with working as a Cruise Director on our French riverboat programs.
When my wife and I decided to start a family, I segued into the Tauck sales department, covering the West Coast. I then became our Small Ship and River specialist for the southeast.
The true highlight of my career is that it has been with Tauck. It’s a company with a fantastic reputation that is justifiably earned.
Where’s next on your travel wish list?
I am planning to take my family on a Tauck Bridges itinerary, from Rome to Sorrento. I’d like to introduce my kids to Tauck and “The Sweet Life”. As a former Tauck Director, my wife is as excited as I am to share the Tauck experience with our children.
What makes Tauck different to you?
The Tauck Difference is that we bring a specific destination to life for our guests. Whether it’s a private dinner and wine tasting above Chateauneuf du Pape’s vineyards, a hot air balloon ride above African wildlife, or something as simple as playing petanque in the small French village of Viviers, our guests leave a Tauck trip feeling truly inspired.
Honestly, what could be better than this as an outcome?!
What’s one thing you wish agents knew about Tauck when choosing a tour company for their clients
I wish they truly understood that Tauck is driven to provide not just a trip, but the trip of a lifetime.
All of our special touches, the exclusive after-hours visits and private sparkling events, alongside the incredible knowledge of all Tauck Directors (who average 15 years of service). Together, we create a trip that is choreographed perfectly at every step.
If clients understand value as opposed to price, if they are willing to stop and consider everything we include that other tour companies do not, they will get an idea of what makes Tauck different.
The company doesn’t need hyperbole; the numbers themselves tell the story. Family-owned, Tauck has 98 years in business, with over 3.8 million guests along on a journey with us. We also have an incredible percentage of satisfied clients (96.7%), plus a high percentage of repeat guests.
Agents, discover more
In summary, Scott says wherever your clients may want to journey, Tauck can assist. Travelling to every continent by land, sea, or river (in Europe), they deliver consistent service.
To learn more, register for Tauck’s agent site here or call them on 1800 962 043.
This story was brought to you by:
