Become a Home Based Travel Agent

Niche Market Britain on and off the Beaten Track
By Paull Tickner

In previous articles I’ve looked at UK product ideas for a number of niche markets including programmes for garden clubs and societies, Girls Getaways to London, Bath and the Cotswolds and for literary Britain where Jane Austen and Regency themed programmes lead the way.

This month I want to introduce some other niche markets which you’ll find close to home and where you’ll know of people with these particular special interests.  These untapped areas all have great potential but only if you, the enterprising travel agent use the knowledge, experience and connections your UK partners can provide.

With my ear constantly to the ground, I keep coming across interesting new ideas, on and off the beaten path that in nearly every case will perfectly match the niche markets that are on your doorstep. The latest one to cross my desk will work brilliantly as an art gallery/museum fundraiser.  Based in the city of Chichester (just east of Southampton) it includes a special tour of the 20^th century art works in the cathedral, a visit to the workshop of an internationally renowned Sculptor, a special tour of one of the best collections of modern British art, treasure filled Goodwood House, and a stroll through a fascinating collection of 13^th-19^th century buildings at the award-winning Weald and Downland Open Air Museum.  As with every UK itinerary, we must include at least one castle and what better than the one at Arundel where seeing the Earl Collector’s Garden will mean that you’ll need at least 4 hours here (including time for lunch). Ask for details.

The Weald and Downland Open Air Museum, West Sussex

In my own weekly Niche Britain newsletter (register by sending me an email) I’ve been running a series of short stories on what the UK can offer American motoring enthusiasts and veteran car clubs.  As something of a long shot, travel agents reactions are proving that they do have connections with this niche but lacking the UK products to go with it, they’ve been unable to make any progress.  That was then! Things have changed because I’ve been able to give them itineraries that include value added visits to the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu (www.beaulieu.co.uk) the Heritage Motor Centre at Gaydon  (www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk/index.html), the Grand Prix Racing Car Collection at Castle Donington (www.donington-park.co.uk/grand-prix-collection-museum) and major events like the annual Festival of Speed  (June) and the Revival (September) both of which take place at Goodwood and the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run every November.  I am absoultely sure that with a bit of thought, you will know people, even existing clients who are into this kind of thing and that they and some of their friends would really enjoy a UK tour that includes these and similar components.

The changing face of the Jaquar

In another issue, I trawled for possible interest in equestrian pursuits like three day eventing.  To my pleasant surprise I hooked some serious prospects for whom I’ve now created itineraries for the annual Badminton Horse Trials in May (www.badminton-horse.co.uk) and the Burghley Horse Trials at the end of August/early September (www.burghley.horse.co.uk). Unless you live in a very urban environment, there will be riding schools near you and you’ll certainly know of clients who enjoy riding, hunting, attending gymkanas and three day events.  Offer them the chance to come to England where they’ll see top European and American stars battling it out at Badminton and Burghley.  Into the itinerary we can work a day at Newmarket (www.nhrm.co.uk), regarded as the British capital of Horseracing, visits to famous racing stables and of course opportunities to ride while they’re over here.

Oliver Townend riding Flint Curtis at Badminton, credit Kit Houghton/Mitsubishi Motor

Through my weekly Niche Britain eNewsletter I’ve also tracked down some travel agents who have connections with Steam Preservation Societies.  As you will see from the following website (www.heritagerailways.com) for a small island  we have a considerable number of centres where the enthusiastic memberships frequently become very ‘steamed up’!  Each of them can provide unique experiences that would be warmly welcomed by enthusiasts from your side of the pond.  Linked together with the ocassional castle, cathedral, pub lunch, and English Afternoon Tea thrown in for good measure, between us we’ll be able to create something that will linger in your clients memories for many a long year.

Steamed up on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway

For those HBTA readers that know me well (and there are plenty of you out there, I’m very glad to say) you will be aware of my determination to encourage those of you who can, to use UK regional gateways.  Manchester is a very good example of what I mean.  Despite cutbacks on transatlantic routes this northern gateway is still well served, and on a daily basis.  Airside kerbside in less than 30 minutes is what you can expect, and then a speedy journey north to the Lake District where with careful timing you could be dozing your way on a steam-hauled train ride from Haverthwaite to Lakeside where we will rouse you for a gentle glide up Lake Windermere before taking you to your hotel, namely the Rothay Garden (www.rothaygarden.com). If you check the website you will see that it is beautifully set in the picturesque village of Grasmere, making it a perfect base for close encounters with William Wordsworth, Beatrix Potter, John Ruskin, some stunning gardens, watching carefully all the time for signs of Flopsy, Mopsy, Cottontail and Peter…You’ll spot them, if you just bring your imagination… 

These and many other niche markets are out there and the UK can provide many of the product solutions. You’re the missing link and if these ideas strike a chord, send me an email because I know exactly how to put this all together and at a net rate that will make money for you.  I’m looking forward to hearing from you.