Ive been offering tours for several years. My lds would love to do more trips, but they have trouble filling them. The owner is so busy with the store and training that he does not have time to push travel. Once I became an instructor, I like so many others, began getting "sucked" into teaching for my lds (my mentor) for NOTHING (notta, zip, zilch). Where? I wondered? Where is all that oppertunity and travel that sounded so great when I shelled out $1200.00 for my IDC?
I decided to advertise trips on my own. I advertise at lds and pay lds a commision. Works out great for them. They get commision + most of these people buy lots of stuff just before the trip. I began taking groups to Caribbean destinations (that I had already been to). Being familiar with these destinations gives me the insight to put together a great package. We usually do 6 days 2 tank am dives, a few pm dives a couple of land excursions, sunset sail, and a group party.
The resort staff personell have got to know us. We are always greeted warmly and my guest certainly receive a little extra attention. I always arrange for a fruit basket and bottle of wine to be waiting in their room. Accompanied by a personal note from me. The sunset sail is a surprise bonus from me.
Many people make their own arrangements, arrive on island, pick up books and flyers and don't really see much except the usual tourist stuff.
Here's an example. On my Aruba tour, we do a one day jeep tour. We have a jeep for each two people. Our groups are usually 8-12 so it is just a few jeeps. As we all sit on the uninhabbited northern coast, enjoying food and beverages (i arrange) "picnic" style, we laugh at the enterage of jeeps, packed with tourists, eating dust as they slowly parade accross the pre-determined tourist trail funeral style.
We enjoy having our own private charter boat each day on the am dives. Lots of room, lots of fun.
We enjoy discounted car rentals and and free upgrades.
There is usually a specialty course included in the package as well.
Being part of the small group adds to the fun of the trip. A big benefit is not having to deal with any of the arrangements. Just pack and show up. We even provide an airport shuttle.
A couple months prior to departure, each traveler receives a customized book. This book includes: Basic Island Info, Dive site info, dive schedule, hotel info with photos of rooms, restaurant lists, maps, discount coupons and more.
After the trip, each guest receives a 30 minute video containing clips of diving as well as land tours.
Not everyone can afford this type of luxury. We price these trips according to their value, and of course to make it proffitable.
For the guide, i (we) are working 10-15 hours a day on the trip. Not to mention the many hours of planning, logistical organization and production of materials. While diving, we are either performing DM duties or instructind. This is NOT the same thing as fun dives for us. Don't get me wrong, we love to dive and love to teach, but it is our job and source of income. So for me, if I can't get at least 8 people, and make $2-$300pp, it is not worth it.
So far it has worked well. Almost every diver tips at the end and most are repeat travelers. I had three people who went on three tours last year.
Like I said, not all can afford this. Also there are always people who look only at price. Some people would prefer to do all the arrangements, pay bottom dollar and travel alone, but this is not our target audience.
Realistically though, in most cases, you would not save much if you look at the cost of all you are getting (in the case of our tours).
