August, 2005, Toronto - In August, Canada’s largest adventure travel company launched their new adventure concept store. Opened on August 12th in the heart of Toronto’s Annex neighbourhood at 346A Bloor St., (Bloor & Spadina), the store is an extension of the company’s innovative and non-corporate culture. Customers can drop by to learn more about adventure travel, browse “the world” or book themselves on a trip in an open, friendly environment filled with lively world music, video screens playing enticing adventure clips and plenty of informational and entertaining special events.
Bringing the G Adventures brand to the street was a natural way to increase brand awareness, but also strengthen relationships with existing clients and build new customer relationships. CEO Bruce Poon Tip describes the venture by saying “Clients have told us that they want to learn more about the places they’re going to visit and talk to people who have been there. The concept store is the perfect venue for them to learn about how exciting adventure travel can be”.
Anyone that wants to just drop by and check out the different styles of trips offered by G Adventures will be welcomed with an interactive environment, where laptop computers are available to browse trips online and learn about the G Adventures travel philosophy, creating a “virtual store” experience for visitors.
Similar to stores by brands such as Nike and Apple, The G Adventures Concept Store is less a “store” and more an “experience” that will be staffed by people intimately familiar with the G Adventures small group, eco-friendly style of travel. These experts will inform visitors about the wide variety of G Adventures that focus on cultural immersion, exotic wildlife experiences and active itineraries that provide authentic adventure experiences. Store staff will not be focused on selling trips, but are there as a resource for people to talk to and discuss possible adventure travel plans.
The experienced staff will also offer informative slideshows and presentations on selected destinations, while special guests will also drop by to offer seminars on travel writing and photography or tips about what gear to take on your trip. Throw in some world music talent and some portable travel health clinic visits to prepare people for their trips, and it is easy to see that there is a lot more to this store than just booking a trip.
CEO Bruce Poon Tip continues, “Whether someone has already booked a trip through a traditional travel agency or wants to talk about the best type of G Adventure for them, our door will be open.” The Toronto store represents the beginning of a new initiative by G Adventures to offer their travellers a more personal experience before and after their trips. G Adventures also launched a retail concept store in Yaletown, Vancouver on August 2nd.
About G Adventures
For 15 years, G Adventures has been offering small group adventures, safaris and expeditions on all 7 continents. Also the proud Canadian owner of the legendary polar expedition ship, M/S Explorer, G Adventures offers a unique philosophy of sustainable, eco-friendly travel style that has won many accolades and awards over the years. Recent recognition includes having two trips chosen among the TOP 25 Adventures in the World by National Geographic Adventure magazine, the Ethics in Action Award, the Global Traders Award and the Clean Air Commute Award for five straight years. With such a well-established history and over 30,000 people travelling on G Adventures trips every year, G Adventures is truly the industry leader.
Media images and fact sheet available upon request. For additional information, please contact Kira Zack at 416 260 0999 x156.
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Media Contact: Kira Zack
G Adventures
Small Group Adventures, Safaris & Expeditions to all 7 Continents
Phone: 416 260 0999 ext 156
Email: kiraz@gadventures.com