Tell us a little bit more about Amsterdam Experiences?
Amsterdam Experiences was established in 2016 and has been in business for 10 years now.
We are an Amsterdam-based tour operator creating private tours and experiences across the Netherlands and Belgium. At Amsterdam Experiences, we work closely with travel advisors to provide knowledgeable local guides, private transport, shore excursions, transfers, and tailor-made experiences, with a personal approach from planning through to delivery. 

Share a little about the company culture (what you're most excited about as an employee):
We're a small, close-knit team, and we all take a personal interest in the experiences we arrange. What I enjoy most is helping people turn their travel ideas into something special, whether it's a long-awaited visit, a particular place they've always wanted to see, or simply making the most of their time here. There's something incredibly rewarding about being part of those plans, seeing them come together, and hearing afterwards how much the experience meant to the guests.

As it relates to European travel, what unique value proposition(s) set your brand apart from the competition? 
As we are locally based in Amsterdam, we combine extensive knowledge with a very personal approach to touring across the Netherlands and Belgium. Whether an advisor needs a private guide for two guests, a shore excursion, or arrangements for a larger group, everything is planned and managed by our own team.

Rather than working from fixed itineraries, we tailor experiences around the guests, their interests, and the practicalities of their wider trip. Advisors have one point of contact throughout, while our local guides adapt each experience rather than simply reciting a set tour.

Can you share a success story when working with Travel Agents? 
For us, it is often the little things that stick in our minds. Our guest had saved up to book a private tour with us. Private touring wasn't something she would normally have considered, but as the mother of a toddler, she was worried that her two-year-old might disturb other guests on a group tour. She put her trust, and what was a significant amount of money for her, in our hands.

After the tour, she contacted us to say how wonderful it had been and how well the guide had taken care of all three of them. One thing in particular that had touched her: when they stopped for a drink, the guide made sure her two-year-old had a little hot chocolate of her own.

It wasn't a grand gesture or an elaborate VIP experience. It was simply a guide recognising what that family needed and making them feel looked after. Those are the experiences we are proudest of. 

What is new and exciting that you're looking forward to share with this year's European Travel Agent Forum delegates?
We are particularly excited to share our new travel advisor portal, designed to make exploring and sharing our experiences much easier. Advisors can search our tours across the Netherlands and Belgium, see their agency's agreed pricing, save selections for individual clients, and create personalised client-facing itineraries, while still having direct access to our team whenever they need us.

The travel industry is forever evolving. What are some of the trends you're seeing, and what initiatives is your brand developing to support travel sellers and help them grow their business?
We are seeing a growing need for flexibility, particularly in river cruising, where changing river levels can result in last-minute changes to docking locations, timings, and itineraries. We have adapted by rearranging guides, transport, and touring plans, often at very short notice. Our new advisor portal will also make planning and adapting clients' experiences quicker and easier.

What are your traditional commission structures?
Our prices are shown with travel advisor commission already included, so there is nothing to add to the price. Commission rates are agreed individually with each agency, allowing us to work with different advisor and agency arrangements.

Why should Travel Agents work with your brand?
We want advisors to feel that they have a trusted local partner rather than simply a supplier. We know our destinations, guides, and experiences personally, communication is clear, and we are there when plans change or something needs adapting. Most importantly, we understand that every client an advisor places in our hands reflects on them too.

What tools/technologies do you have in place to support travel sellers, and do they integrate into current available technologies? 
Our new travel advisor portal gives advisors one place to search our experiences, view their agency’s agreed pricing, create client selections, and produce personalised PDF or Word itineraries. Pricing and advisor information are kept up to date automatically, while our team is always available for anything requiring a personal touch.

When communicating with your company, what can travel advisors expect?
Travel advisors have one point of contact with our Amsterdam team, with our office available from 8am to 10pm Amsterdam time. We aim to respond to travel trade enquiries within 24 hours, and usually much faster. Advisors can also reach us by WhatsApp when they need a quick answer or assistance while clients are travelling.

How and where can Travel Agents book or get support when selling your product?
Travel advisors can browse our experiences through our dedicated advisor portal and contact our Amsterdam team directly by email, phone, or WhatsApp to book or ask for advice. If a client needs something different from the experiences shown, we are always happy to tailor an existing tour or create something to suit them.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your brand?
Although Amsterdam is our home, there is much more to discover beyond the city. We work throughout the Netherlands and Belgium, from the famous places clients already know to smaller towns, countryside, food, history, art, and local traditions. We love helping advisors find the experience that fits their client, rather than simply the obvious one.