Explore Worldwide’s Upgraded collection has marked two years of growth, with Australia and New Zealand emerging as its best-selling region globally as the operator adds four new itineraries for 2026/27.
Departures up 74 per cent since launch in 2024
Since launching in 2024, Explore Upgraded has grown its tour count by 35 per cent in 2026 to date, from 23 to 31 itineraries, while departures have increased 74 per cent. Within the ANZ market, several itineraries have recorded sharp year-on-year growth, including Upgraded Discover Vietnam, up 250 per cent, Upgraded Cycle Vietnam, up 150 per cent, and Upgraded Walking in the Algarve, up 83 per cent.
Explore Worldwide regional director AUNZ Ben Ittensohn said the growth reflected a shift in traveller expectations.
“We’re seeing travellers increasingly seek experiences that feel enriching and authentic, but with greater comfort built into the journey,” Ittensohn said.
“As the premium adventure market continues to evolve, Upgraded gives us a compelling proposition that responds to our customers’ changing expectations while staying true to our roots.”
The collection has recorded a Net Promoter Score of 81.73 and a Feefo rating of 4.72 out of five.
Four new itineraries added across three continents
Upgraded – Highlights of Mexico, priced from $9,510 per person for 11 nights, includes a food tour of Puebla and stays at a historic Parador hotel and the beachfront InterContinental Cozumel. Upgraded – Highlights of Nepal, from $4,720 per person for nine nights, replaces intensive trekking with cultural activities including pottery making and a dumpling cookery class, staying at Sarangkot Lodge overlooking the Annapurna mountains.
Upgraded – Egypt: Cairo, Alexandria and Nile Cruise, from $7,940 per person for 10 nights, covers the Pyramids of Giza and Abu Simbel with three nights aboard a modern Nile cruise ship. Upgraded – Morocco: Imperial Cities, Mountains and the Sahara Desert, from $7,300 per person for 14 nights, includes a live Gnawa music performance in the Sahara and dinner with a local family in Chefchaouen, staying in riads and a premium nomadic camp.
