Bigger is most certainly not always better and that definitely rings true for specialist European tour company, Albatross Tours.

Destination specialists and a boutique business by design; Albatross Tours believes this gives them a major competitive edge over the large companies that form much of the market. The boutique size enables Albatross to excel at services that are ignored or under-serviced by big companies. So do the smaller guys rule or is bigger better?

Albatross Tours Managing Director, Euan Landsborough believes it is possible to have the best of both worlds, “We are actually in a unique position as we are a small Australian company, who also has a large parent company in the UK, Albatross Travel Group.”

“We’re Australian in our service, attitude and application, but use the UK’s power to put together the nuts and bolts like hotels and activity suppliers that a small operator could access as easily, especially from the other side of the world.”

As the biggest wholesaler service in the UK, Albatross Travel Group operates like an airline consolidator, buying for Albatross Tours and other tour providers in the UK. Their great rates on hotel accommodation, transport and excursions are passed through to Albatross Tours and importantly their customers.

Mr. Landsborough comments, “Albatross Travel Group has a department set up specifically to service our needs in Australia, which is an advantage not many tour companies here have.”
In a volatile market where small businesses are suffering and the big guys are booming, Mr. Landsborough is in an enviable position, “Being affiliated with Albatross Travel Group allows us to be more financially stable - we sailed through the GFC and have never made any employee redundant.” he said.

As a primarily small tour operator designed specifically for Australians and New Zealanders, Albatross Tours is able to give time and attention to its customers, which is a notable foundation for a successful travel company.

“Being a small operator, customer loyalty is important for us, as this provides repeat business and word-of mouth referrals. Gaining such loyalty is often easier for a small business, who can offer a more personalised customer service experience.” Mr. Landsborough said.

With a small business also comes a smaller chain of command, allowing a quick response to problems. As a global company Albatross generates over 4000 tours and looks after over 100,000 passengers per year, so to be able to respond to any issues that arise immediately is a major advantage.

“Through our close relationship with our parent company, we’re able iron out problems as and when they come up. Every January we also dissect every tour group, analysing customer feedback and look at what works and what doesn’t, down to every detail. It’s great to have the UK’s feedback an input, which helps us enhance our customers travel experience. Again, we use our ‘global’ position to our customer’s advantage.” Mr. Landsborough comments.

For further information about Albatross Tours and upcoming departures, please visit www.albatrosstours.com.au or visit http://www.facebook.com/AlbatrossTours