Being a travel enthusiast and itinerary designers, we always thrive to innovate our products in a way that it becomes most beneficial for our target market. Offer Finland tours on private basis instead of a fixed group departure in almost the identical cost is one of the biggest achievement of Lestacworld in Indian market. Where in countries like India, China and Japan, travelers prefer to be a part of a group, it was us who dig deeper and tried to understand the aspects behind it.
Travelers understanding about Private Finland tours vs Group departures of Finland tours
These travelers usually think that it is worth traveling in a group because the cost gets divided and they feel safe and guided. We surveyed more about it and find out that more than 70% of these travelers would love to travel in a private Finland tour package even if the cost is 20% high. Out of these 80% of the travelers never tried to investigate the cost they will have to bear if they travel in Private Finland tour package. They have self assumed that the cost will be very high and be definitely out of their budgets.
We also observed that around 40% of these travelers have previously travelled in a group fixed departures for other destinations and 23% of those were not satisfied where as 38% had mixed reviews and rest were satisfied.
For 78% travelers, costing is the primary factor of traveling in a group departure and guidance and safety is secondary. Where as for 22% of travelers, guidance is primary. Out of these 22% travelers for whom guidance is more important, 81% travelers are above the age of 53.
When we asked all the travelers that if they were given the chance to choose their Finland tour itinerary as per their own requirements and preferences would it be factor, 55% travelers said, they will be happy to travel in an itinerary which is specially built for them and 45% said, they reply on what itinerary is given to them by travel agencies. They don’t want to interfere in experts work.
Research Analysis
| Category | Insight / Finding | % of Travelers | Notes / Implication |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private vs Group Tour Perception | Interested in Private Finland tours even if 20% costlier | 70% | Strong potential to sell private tours if price is explained properly. |
| Private vs Group Tour Perception | Never investigated real private tour cost (self‑assumed “too high”) | 80% (of above 70%) | Need education campaigns showing realistic costing. |
| Past Group Tour Experience | Previously traveled in group fixed departures (other destinations) | 40% | Large base of experienced group travelers. |
| Past Group Tour Experience | Not satisfied with group tours | 23% (of group travelers) | Disappointment with service/value. |
| Mixed reviews of group tours | 38% (of group travelers) | Mixed satisfaction, can be converted to private travelers. | |
| Satisfied with group tours | ~39% (of group travelers) | More loyal to group format. | |
| Primary Decision Factor | Costing is main factor | 78% | Group tours preferred mainly for affordability. |
| Primary Decision Factor | Guidance/Safety is main factor | 22% | Segment less price-sensitive, more service-driven. |
| Age Split (Guidance Focused) | Travelers prioritizing guidance above cost (mostly senior travelers) | 81% of the 22% are aged 53+ | Senior-focused private tour packages with extra handholding can be designed. |
| Customization Preference | Prefer customized itinerary for Finland trip | 55% | Segment open to tailor-made packages. |
| Customization Preference | Happy with agency-decided itineraries | 45% | Trust agencies, less effort from client side. |
How we managed to offer Private Finland tours to travelers in almost group tours cost
My team understood the areas where we could fill in the gap. Our major challenge was reducing the cost for the travelers who are willing to visit Finland on private and customized tour. The second biggest challenge was creating an awareness among travelers that group fixed departures in market doesn’t always mean lower cost and better service.Our product team started working on reducing the cost of individual services in Finland and combine that to make an affordable private tour experience for our customers. We started focusing on our contracts with the vendors. We approached each and every vendor and for a better deal without compromising on tour Quality. The important cause we understood is cross border transactions with vendors. Indian operators usually rely on one destination management company in Finland that organizes everything for their customers. This being an easy option prove to be expensive. These destination management companies get services from Individual vendors and keep their commission and sell a travel package to travel agencies in India or other countries. The travel agencies keep their margins and sell it to end customers making it super expensive.
We at lestacworld thought to mitigate this problem and immediately set up a team of 2 executives in Finland sent from India accompanied by me. We made sure that we connect with every small and beg vendor, hotels and resort personally to make it more viable. Since then we made sure that lestacworld executives always remain present at Finland for organizing tours and vendor management. This strategy helped lestacworld becoming a prominent tour agency in India offering luxury Finland tour packages in industry best prices.
On the other hand it was our marketing team’s job to create campaigns among potential travelers to make them aware that they can travel Finland in a customized tour package instead of always compromising in a group travel. Every group fixed departure is not made for every traveler. If it suits one, it doesn’t mean it will suit others. Especially when in Finland, you must know your preferences and travel accordingly.
Conclusion
This research and approach helped us branding putting lestacworld as one of the most renowned travel company for luxury Finland tours in India. We are also adapting this approach to create an impact other markets like Singapore, Indonesia and Australia among travelers who wish to travel to Finland. It is also an enhanced learning for me. Understanding the Finnish products, vendor management, the customers approach and filling the gap in market gave me a different level of experience.
