Product Overview: SANDEMANs NEW Europe Tours
Introduction
SANDEMANs NEW Europe is a pioneering tour operator that has revolutionized the city walking tour industry with its innovative, gratuity-based “FREE Tour” model. Founded by Chris Sandeman, the company has grown to become one of the largest promoters and operators of city walking tours and experiences globally, operating in 20 cities across Europe, the Middle East, and the USA.
Key Features
FREE Tour Model
The core product of SANDEMANs NEW Europe is the FREE Tour, which operates on a tips-only basis. This model allows travelers to support and reward guides based on the quality of the tour, ensuring that guides must provide exceptional service to earn tips. This approach makes the tours risk-free for travelers, as they pay only what they feel the tour is worth.
High-Quality Guides
SANDEMANs NEW Europe works with over 400 freelance guides who are passionate about sharing their local knowledge and unique perspectives. These guides undergo rigorous training to ensure they deliver engaging, informative, and entertaining tours. The company’s model incentivizes guides to provide the best possible experience, as their earnings are directly tied to the tips they receive.
Comprehensive City Coverage
The FREE Tours offer a perfect introduction to each city, covering major landmarks, historical sites, and hidden gems. Guides provide not only factual information but also personal anecdotes and recommendations, helping travelers experience the city like locals.
Additional Tour Options
In addition to the FREE Tours, SANDEMANs NEW Europe offers themed “Select Tours” for which there is a standard fee. These tours cater to travelers who want more specialized or in-depth experiences. Approximately 45% of guests who enjoy the FREE Tour go on to purchase these additional products, indicating a high level of satisfaction and trust in the company’s services.
Efficient Booking System
SANDEMANs NEW Europe utilizes a robust booking system provided by TrekkSoft, which allows customers to book tours online, receive confirmation emails, and manage their bookings efficiently. This system also enables guides to take registrations in advance, manage bookings on the go, and avoid overcrowding at meeting points.
Commitment to Local Communities
The company is committed to supporting local communities by partnering with local freelance guides. This approach ensures that the tours are authentic and beneficial to the local economy. SANDEMANs NEW Europe also engages in initiatives that contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals, such as encouraging visitors to participate in local community activities.
Functionality
Booking and Management
Customers can book tours online through the SANDEMANs NEW Europe website, which is integrated with TrekkSoft’s booking system. This allows for seamless registration, payment processing, and real-time booking management. The mobile app powered by TrekkSoft enables customers to book tours in-destination and for guides to manage bookings on the go.
Tour Operations
Tours run as scheduled, regardless of weather conditions. An employed staff member is present at each meeting point to welcome guests, facilitate the allocation of guests to guides, and count the groups to determine the marketing fees paid by the guides.
Quality Control
The tips-based model acts as a self-regulating mechanism for quality control. Guides who are engaging and provide high-quality tours are more likely to receive higher tips, while less engaging guides are less likely to continue offering FREE Tours. This ensures that only the best guides remain part of the SANDEMANs NEW Europe network.
Conclusion
In summary, SANDEMANs NEW Europe offers a unique and innovative approach to city walking tours, combining high-quality guides, comprehensive city coverage, and an efficient booking system, all while supporting local communities and ensuring a risk-free experience for travelers.