Supplier Spotlight - Globus family of brands

Globus family of brands logo
Globus family of brands

Archy Arushanyan
National Director, Field Sales

About the Globus family of brands
The Globus family of brands is a leading travel company offering escorted tours, river cruises, and independent travel packages worldwide, including Globus, Cosmos & Avalon Waterways. With almost 100 years of expertise, we deliver immersive experiences, exceptional service, and unique itineraries to help travelers explore the world with ease and confidence.


Why should Travel Sellers work with the Globus family of brands?
Travel advisors partner with the Globus family of brands because we provide the stability, innovation, and support that makes selling travel easier and more profitable:

- Privately Owned & Debt-Free: With more than 97 years of experience, our privately held, debt-free business gives travel advisors confidence that we’re here for the long term—no matter what the economy brings.
- Market Leader: We hold 52% of the escorted touring market, making us the clear leader in the space.
- Award-Winning Excellence: Recognized by numerous industry awards for product quality, service, and advisor support.
- Diverse Portfolio: From Globus premium tours to Cosmos value tours, Avalon Waterways river cruises, and Globus Independent, we have solutions for every client type and budget.
- Advisor-First Philosophy: We see travel advisors as our #1 customers. Without “U,” there is no “Us.” We make doing business easy, always look for solutions, and stand behind our partners.
- Unmatched Support: Dedicated Business Development Managers, comprehensive marketing tools, training resources, and co-op opportunities to help grow your sales.
- Innovation & Flexibility: From Small Group Discoveries to custom group travel, flexible booking policies, and strong air programs, we adapt to market trends to help you close more sales.
- Global Reach, Local Expertise: Offices and on-the-ground teams worldwide ensure smooth operations and exceptional experiences for your clients.


Share a little about what you're most excited about at the Globus family of brands?
– Delivering Exceptional Travel Experiences – Creating immersive, well-curated itineraries that balance must-see sights with authentic local encounters.
– Customer-Centric Service – Providing personalized, responsive, and caring service from the first inquiry through the return home.
– Innovation and Continuous Improvement – Leveraging new technologies, partnerships, and travel trends to enhance the guest experience.
– Partnering with Travel Advisors: Collaborating closely with advisors, offering tools, training, and support to help them succeed.Integrity and Reliability 
– Operating with honesty, transparency, and consistency in all interactions with guests, partners, and employees.
– Sustainability and Responsibility – Promoting responsible tourism, supporting local communities, and minimizing environmental impact.


What sets you apart from the competition?
1, Diverse Portfolio of Experiences:From Globus escorted tours to Cosmos value tours, Avalon Waterways river cruises, and Globus Independent travel packages, the breadth of brands allows travelers to choose the style, pace, and budget that best suits them — all under one trusted umbrella.

2. Exclusive & Unique Itineraries:- Access to off-the-beaten-path destinations, special themed trips, and exclusive cultural experiences that go beyond standard sightseeing.- Signature “Local Favorites” and insider moments that deliver richer connections with European culture.

3. Ease & Convenience:- All logistics handled — from transportation, accommodations, and sightseeing to expert guides — making complex European travel simple and stress-free.- Local Tour Directors and Cruise Directors ensure a seamless, guided experience from start to finish.

4. Premium Partnerships & Access:- Priority admission to major attractions, avoiding long lines.- Hand-selected accommodations in prime locations, often in the heart of historic city centers.

5. Innovation & Flexibility:- Customizable excursion options within an escorted framework.- Flexible group policies and modern booking technology make travel planning easier for both advisors and travelers.6. Reputation & Trust:- Over 97 years of experience in European travel.- Award-winning service, strong advisor support, and a loyal repeat customer base.


Share a success story!
At the Globus family of brands, travel advisors are our top priority — without “U,” there is no “US.”

One of our defining WOW factors is how we stand by our advisors when things don’t go as planned. Instead of pointing to terms and conditions, we focus on finding solutions and offering unwavering support. We’ve stepped in countless times to resolve challenges — whether that meant securing alternate arrangements, waiving fees, or personally liaising with suppliers — so our advisors could focus on their clients.

What makes us special is not just the trips we sell, but the trust we build. Advisors know that doing business with us is easy, and when the unexpected happens, we have their back every single time.


What is new and exciting that you're looking forward to sharing with this year's ETAF delegates?
The Globus family of brands’ Small Group Discovery tours is a premium touring option designed for travelers who want the ease, value, and expert guidance of a Globus tour, but with a more intimate travel experience.

Key Features:
- Fewer Travelers: Tours are limited to an average of just 15-18 guests in Europe (and 18-24 outside of Europe), compared to 40+ on standard tours. This allows for a more personal and flexible experience.
- Better Access: Smaller groups can visit destinations and attractions that may be inaccessible to large coaches, including boutique hotels, tucked-away villages, and unique dining venues.
- More Personal Attention: Tour Directors and local guides can engage more directly with each traveler, answering questions and providing tailored recommendations.
- Enhanced Camaraderie: Smaller groups create a friendly, “traveling with friends” atmosphere, making it easier to connect with fellow travelers.

Why It Stands Out
With over 60 itinerary options, Globus Small Group Discoveries combine the confidence of traveling with a trusted global brand with the benefits of a boutique-style experience.


What are some of the trends you're seeing, and what initiatives are you developing to support travel sellers growing their business
We’re seeing a significant rise in demand for small group travel, as more travelers seek intimate, immersive experiences without sacrificing the convenience and security of a guided vacation. To meet this trend, the Globus family of brands offers a range of small group options across our portfolio—like Small Group Discoveries with Globus, boutique-size river cruises with Avalon Waterways, and exclusive journeys with private group travel.These products allow travel sellers to tap into a fast-growing segment while providing their clients with more personalized service, deeper cultural connections, and access to places larger groups can’t go. By offering varied itineraries, flexible booking options, and strong advisor support tools, we make it easy for our partners to sell and grow in this high-demand category.

What are your traditional commission structures?
Commission levels range, based on production or affiliation, from 11% -18%.

What tools/technologies do you have in place to support travel sellers, and do they integrate into current technologies?
At the Globus family of brands, we provide travel advisors with robust, easy-to-use tools designed to help you sell more efficiently and effectively.

- Travel Advisor Portal (24/7 Access): A one-stop shop for everything you need: marketing assets, customizable flyers, videos, images, and client-facing content that’s ready to share.
- GFOB University (Training Platform): On-demand product and sales training modules, plus live webinars, so you can sharpen your skills at your own pace.
- Educational Opportunities & FAM Trips: First-hand experiences of our tours, river cruises, and vacations, so you can confidently sell to your clients.
- Customizable Marketing & Social Media Tools: Easily create branded content to fit your agency’s style, including co-branded flyers, social graphics, and email templates.
- Integration with Advisor Technologies: Our systems connect with popular booking platforms, email marketing tools, and CRM systems, ensuring smooth workflows without duplicate entry.
- Advisor-Focused Booking Engine: Streamlined online booking for FIT, groups, and special offers, giving you real-time availability and instant confirmations.

Everything is designed to save you time, make doing business with us easy, and give you the resources you need to grow your sales.

Do you have a Travel Advisor Specialist Program and if so please share the URL where advisors can learn more or sign-up:
Advisors can learn more and sign up for our Travel Advisor Specialist Program at TravelAdvisorPortal.com/GFOB-University

When communicating with your company, what can travel advisors expect?
At the Globus family of brands, we pride ourselves on making it easy and efficient for travel advisors to work with us. You can expect:
- Quick Response Times: Our call center hold times average under one minute, ensuring you get the answers you need without delay.
- Dedicated Support: A team of trade-dedicated Business Development Managers across the U.S., each supported by an Inside Sales Manager and a dedicated Group Specialist for their territory.
- Personalized Service: You’ll always have a direct point of contact who understands your market and your business.
- Specialized Group Assistance: Expert guidance for both custom and affinity groups, making it easier to secure and manage profitable group bookings.
- Advisor-First Philosophy: We go above and beyond to find solutions, offer flexibility, and support your success at every step.

How and where can travel advisors book or get support when selling your product?
Reservations: 800.221.0090
Groups: 800.221.0097
Inside Sales: 866.270.9850
Online: TravelAdvisorPortal.com