Experience the Galapagos in Sydney? Sounds impossible, but that’s exactly the experience G Adventures and roomsXML delivered to agents during a recent micro-famil.
We’re not talking power point presentations, roadshows or even virtual reality here, we’re talking a recreation of some of the destination’s highlights right at our doorstep.
G Adventures’ Global Purpose Specialist (GPS) Dan Coleman (who is also a pretty loveable chap) scoured the city in search for similarities between the land down under and one of the most desired travel destinations.
And he found it. Click here for more pics.
It’s hard to believe our buzzing city could replicate the islands famous for unique plant and wildlife, but Dan managed to do just that.
With the help of G Adventures’ Galapagos-based Chief Experience Officer (CEO), Omar, and co-host roomsXML’s Mark Luckey the trio took around eight agents over to Manly – Sydney’s northern beaches – where they got as close to the destination as they’re going to get without leaving the country.
The micro-famil began at the Manly Sea Life Sanctuary where they ogled at giant turtles, searched for sea horses and even spotted a few bluebottle jellyfish.
The Galapagos really came to life when the group observed a penguin feeding – for some it was a first – and when one lucky agent was invited to experienced what it would be like scuba diving in the South Pacific Ocean when she won a free swim with sharks at the Sanctuary.
Once the underwater spectacular was complete, the group made their way over to a local Manly restaurant where they indulged in some seafood – paying homage to delicious meals available in Galapagos during a G Adventures tour – before heading over the Novotel in Manly where roomsXML’s Mark Luckey bought a round of cocktails.
Speaking to KarryOn, Dan explained that the micro-famils were a great way to get agents out of the office to experience the tour operator’s products.
Following the famil, agents agreed that they felt more confident about selling G Adventures’ Galapagos and Marine tours.