What EXPLORE INTERNATIONAL TOURS LIMITED does

Explore International Tours Limited, doing business as Explore Worldwide, is a UK-incorporated (Farnborough, Hampshire) adventure tour operator founded in 1981. The company designs, markets, and delivers guided small-group adventure tours averaging 11 travelers per group, with a curated inventory of 350+ itineraries spanning approximately 100 countries across Europe, Africa, Asia, Australasia, North America, South America, Central America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and Polar regions. Core experience categories include cultural discovery, walking and trekking (graded Leisurely through Challenging), cycling (including e-bike), wildlife holidays, polar voyages, family adventures, and solo trips.

The operating platform is a web-based booking system with seven country-specific storefronts (US, UK, Australia, Canada, Europe, Switzerland, New Zealand), supported by phone-based inside sales and an upcoming trade agent portal. Travel advisors access the inventory via XML/API feeds. Differentiating commercial features include Explore Flex (booking amendments up to 10 days pre-departure and 12-month credit vouchers), Explore Upgraded (premium accommodation tier), the Explore Loyalty Club (with competitor point portability and family sharing), and carbon footprint transparency delivered via a partnership with ecollective.

The business model is one-time tour package sales, with prices ranging from roughly US$4,240 to US$13,530 per person depending on destination, duration, and accommodation tier; deposits are typically 10% (or £500 for polar trips) with balances due 70 days pre-departure (130 days for polar). Revenue is generated direct-to-consumer through the website and phone, and indirectly through the Travel Advisor Program, which provides commissions, marketing resources, and FAM opportunities. Ancillary revenue includes optional excursion commissions booked locally by tour leaders. B Corp certification, the Explore Foundation, and partnerships with Rewilding Britain, Klimate, and ethy formalize a sustainability positioning that is also a marketing differentiator. Ownership and revenue figures are not disclosed.

Name

EXPLORE INTERNATIONAL TOURS LIMITED

Legal name

Explore Worldwide Ltd.

Website

https://exploreworldwide.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1981

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Explore Worldwide is a UK-founded (1981) small-group adventure tour operator offering 350+ guided itineraries across roughly 100 countries, serving individual leisure travelers and a registered travel advisor trade channel via regional websites and phone sales.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Adventure Travel Tours

NAICS

Tour Operators (561520), Travel Agencies (561510)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Multi-Activity & Expedition Packages (Guided Adventure Trips) (THAJABAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Adventure & Expedition Travel Agencies (THAKAFAB), Adventure & Expedition Custom Itinerary Planning (THAKAOAC), Private Adventure & Expedition Experiences (Custom Hikes, Safaris, Backcountry) (THAJALAG)

Keywords

• Adventure travel tours
• Small group tours
• Cultural discovery tours
• Walking and trekking holidays
• Polar expedition cruises

Headquarters

HQ city

Farnborough

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Tour Package Sales: Core revenue from selling small group adventure tour packages. Customers pay for guided multi-day tours including accommodation, transport, some meals, and tour leader services. Prices vary by tour duration and destination, ranging from approximately $4,240 to $13,530 per person.
2. Travel Insurance (ancillary): Mandatory travel insurance requirement for all travelers, though insurance is arranged by customers independently, not sold directly by Explore
3. Optional Excursions: Local optional activities and excursions offered during tours, booked and paid for locally through tour leaders acting as booking agents

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Explore Worldwide sells guided small-group adventure tour packages across approximately 100 countries, with an average group size of about 11 travelers per departure. The portfolio of more than 350 itineraries spans cultural discovery, walking and trekking, cycling, wildlife and safari, family, solo, and polar expedition experiences, and includes accommodation, transport, many meals, an expert tour leader, and 24/7 emergency support in the package price. The company operates direct-to-consumer via regional websites and phone, with a B2B travel advisor channel offering commissions and XML/API booking integration.

Product overview

Explore Worldwide is a small group adventure tour operator offering over 350 guided tours across approximately 100 countries. The core product consists of Small Group Tours averaging 11-12 travelers, encompassing experience types including Cultural Discovery, Walking & Trekking, Cycling, Wildlife Holidays, Polar Voyages, and Family Adventures. The company operates on a global scale across Europe, Africa, Asia, Australasia, North America, South America, Central America, Caribbean, Middle East, and Polar regions. Supporting products include Explore Upgraded (premium accommodation add-on), Explore Flex (flexible booking policy), the Explore Loyalty Club, My Explore booking portal, Wishlist feature, The Explorer Magazine content platform, and a Travel Advisor Program for B2B partnerships. The company emphasizes sustainability through its Explore Foundation and B Corp certification.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Small Group Cultural Discovery Tours Guided small-group tours (averaging ~11 travelers) focused on cultural immersion and authentic experiences in destinations worldwide. Includes accommodation, transport, many meals, an expert tour leader, and 24/7 emergency support. Sold to individual travelers and small private groups across Europe, Africa, Asia, the Americas, the Middle East, and the Caribbean.
• Walking and Trekking Tours Small-group walking, hiking, and trekking tours with graded difficulty levels from Leisurely to Challenging, including multi-day treks such as Kilimanjaro and the Inca Trail. Package includes guided walks, accommodation, transport, and leader support. Targeted at active travelers seeking expert-led scenic hiking itineraries.
• Cycling Tours Small-group guided cycling tours including standard and electric bike options, with graded routes from Leisurely to Challenging difficulty. Includes route planning, luggage transfers, bike support, and expert local guidance. Targeted at cyclists looking for supported group cycling holidays.
• Wildlife Holidays and Safaris Group safari and wildlife observation tours including African safaris, gorilla trekking, whale watching, and bear-watching experiences. Packages include game drives, expert local guides, and accommodation. Targeted at travelers seeking wildlife encounters in natural habitats.
• Polar Voyages Expedition trips to Antarctica, the Arctic (Spitsbergen, Greenland), the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and polar-bear viewing in Churchill, Canada. Includes expert expedition staff, accommodation, transport, and meals. Polar-specific pricing terms apply (£500-30% deposit, balance due 130 days before departure).
• Family Adventures Small-group tours designed for families with children and teens (typically 16+), covering wildlife, cultural, and outdoor activities with age-appropriate pacing. Targeted at multi-generational families seeking safe, structured shared adventure travel.
• Solo Adventure Holidays Tours designed for solo travelers with no single supplement (where applicable) or with dedicated solo departures across walking, cycling, and general adventure options. Targeted at single travelers seeking social group experiences without single-supplement penalties.
• Explore Upgraded Premium Accommodation Tier Optional add-on tier that upgrades accommodation to premium-grade lodging on standard tours for travelers willing to pay extra for enhanced comfort. Booked as an upgrade to base tour packages.
• Travel Advisor Program (B2B Trade Channel) Channel-partner program for travel agents and advisors that provides commissions, exclusive discounts, marketing resources, FAM (familiarization) trips, and access to XML and API feeds for booking integration on behalf of clients. Includes a dedicated Trade Sales Team at [email protected] and [email protected].
• Walking in the Canadian Rockies (2027 Refreshed Itinerary) Refreshed walking-tour itinerary in the Canadian Rockies, with a brand-new 2027 season routing (WRK-2027). Sold as a standalone small-group guided walking package including guided walks, accommodation, transport, meals, and tour leader.
• NEW Trips for 2026 (Seasonal Tour Additions) Seasonal release of newly added small-group tour packages for the 2026 travel year. Each trip is a bookable standalone itinerary including guided experiences, accommodation, transport, many meals, and tour leader support.

Quantifiable outcome

• 98% customer satisfaction - would book again
• +2 more outcomes

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• FeefocoreOthersFeefo provides independent customer review platform and ratings. Explore displays Feefo reviews and maintains Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award for customer service excellence.
• Rewilding BritainminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRewilding Britain partnership focuses on environmental conservation. Explore promotes rewilding initiatives and educates customers about wildlife conservation through FAQs and trip content.
• ecollectivecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCarbon measurement partnership calculating and publishing carbon footprint for every tour. Partnership enables transparent environmental impact reporting per trip based on average group size.
• KlimateminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCarbon removal partner for offsetting trip emissions through Klimate's carbon removal services.
• ethyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSustainability certification and rating platform for travel companies demonstrating ethical and sustainable business practices.
• The Explore FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExplore's charitable foundation positively impacting lives of communities worldwide. Funds conservation, community development, and environmental projects in destinations where tours operate.
• Local Tour Operators and SupplierscoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLocal ground operators, accommodation providers, transport suppliers, and activity operators in destination countries. Booked and contracted by Explore for tour delivery.
• Travel Advisors CommunitycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNetwork of registered travel advisors booking tours for clients. Partners receive commission, access to marketing resources, FAM trips, and booking incentives.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• G Adventures: Global small-group adventure tour operator with comparable small-group format, similar destination breadth, and a parallel travel-agent (Chief Experience Officer) program. Competes directly for both DTC and trade bookings.
• Kensington Tours: Custom private and small-group guided tours worldwide with strong travel-advisor distribution. Competes directly for higher-spend private/custom adventure itineraries, particularly in the family and luxury niches.
• Exodus Adventure Travels: UK-based small-group adventure tour operator offering walking, cycling, cultural, and wildlife trips across 90+ countries. Closest UK-domiciled competitor with overlapping customer base and product mix.
• Lindblad Expeditions (National Geographic Expeditions): Premium expedition cruise and land operator specializing in polar and wildlife voyages. Direct competitor in Explore's Polar Voyages category (Antarctica, Arctic, Spitsbergen, Greenland).
• Intrepid Travel: Largest small-group adventure tour operator globally with a comparable catalog of cultural, walking, cycling, and polar trips sold direct-to-consumer and via travel agents. Direct head-to-head competitor in essentially every destination Explore serves.
• Wilderness Safaris: Specialist in African safari and wildlife holidays, directly overlapping Explore's wildlife and safari tour category. Competes for the same adventure-traveler wallet in Africa-focused itineraries.
• Adventure Life: US-based small-group adventure travel company offering cultural, wildlife, and active itineraries across Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Direct competitor in the small-group adventure niche.
• Tucan Travel: Small-group adventure tour operator covering Latin America, Africa, and Asia with budget to mid-range pricing. Comparable small-group format and overlapping destination coverage.
• Wild Frontiers: UK-based adventure travel operator focused on off-the-beaten-path destinations in Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Competes for similar experiential, expert-led adventure travelers.

Broad incumbents

• REI Adventures: Adventure travel arm of REI Co-op offering guided small-group trips worldwide. Broader outdoor retailer with an adventure-travel vertical that overlaps Explore's active/hiking and cycling segments.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/ExploreWorldwide
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/explore-worldwide

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about EXPLORE INTERNATIONAL TOURS LIMITED