top of page

Explore Worldwide Sees 74% Growth in Premium 'Explore Upgraded' Brand in 2 Years

Adventure holiday specialist Explore Worldwide is celebrating two years of strong growth for Explore Upgraded - its premium adventure collection combining the company's signature small-group adventures and expert tour leaders with enhanced accommodation, special welcome meals and standout destination experiences.

Since launching, the collection has established itself as a significant growth driver for Explore. In 2026 to date, the number of Upgraded tours has grown by 35%, from 23 to 31, while departures have increased by 74%.


Based on current year-on-year trading, Explore Upgraded is on track to take as many passengers on Upgraded trips in 2026 as the businesses’ impressive cycling portfolio, making it a key performance area. 


Michael Edwards, Managing Director of Explore Worldwide, said: "The performance of Explore Upgraded over its first two years demonstrates that travellers want the authenticity and sense of adventure that Explore is known for, alongside a little extra comfort.


“We've seen impressive growth across tours, departures, passengers and revenue, but the customer response is equally encouraging. An excellent NPS shows that we're delivering an exceptional experience that genuinely resonates with our travellers. As the premium adventure market continues to grow, Upgraded gives us a compelling proposition that evolves with our customers while staying true to our roots."


Carmel Hendry, Head of Product at Explore Worldwide, added: "Upgraded was never simply about adding more stars to our accommodation. We wanted to create a collection that offers a thoughtful step up in comfort while retaining everything that makes an Explore adventure special - small groups, expert tour leaders, local connections and unforgettable experiences. The growth we've seen, alongside such strong customer feedback and an increase in first-time Explore travellers, shows that we've struck the right balance. We're excited to build on that success and bring even more travellers into the world of Explore Upgraded."


Costa Rica is currently the collection's best-performing destination, with the Costa Rica Wildlife tour taking centre stage. Other top-performing tours include Kerala to Goa, Vietnam & Angkor, Botswana, Peru, Walking the Algarve, India and Uzbekistan.

The success of Upgraded is also reflected in exceptional customer feedback. The collection has achieved a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 81.73, alongside an overall Feefo score of 4.72 out of five. Upgraded is also successfully attracting new customers, with the proportion of first-time Explore travellers choosing this collection rising from 42% in 2025 to 48% in 2026.

Explore's approach is designed to offer a distinctive alternative, premium accommodation without compromising the authentic, responsible and immersive experiences that underpin the brand. Wherever possible, properties are locally owned and selected for their character and location, while every Upgraded tour includes at least one standout experience or activity and a special welcome meal.

New Upgraded tours for 2026/27

And now the Upgraded collection just got an even newer lease of life, with four additional tours joining the range. 

Explore Mexico's Mayan history, buzzing cities and Yucatan coast. Fuel your adventure with a food tour of Puebla and a cooking class in Oaxaca.

Upgraded accommodation includes a historic Parador hotel, a Hacienda hotel surrounded by jungle, and the beachfront InterContinental Cozumel.

Price starts from £4,425pp for 11 nights.

This is the Himalayas in style. Switch out hardcore hiking for culturally immersive experiences such as pottery making, a traditional dumpling cookery class, and lunch with a local family in Gurkha country.

Upgraded accommodation includes Kathmandu heritage hotels, and 360-degree views overlooking the Annapurna mountains at Sarangkot Lodge.

Price starts from £2,195pp for nine nights.

Embrace the luxury of the Pharaohs; explore with the enthusiasm of Indiana Jones. This tour blends both, visiting the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx and the temples of Abu Simbel, before enjoying sundowners on the top deck cruising the River Nile in style.

Upgraded accommodation includes chic neoclassical hotels, a five-star hotel in central Cairo, and three nights aboard a modern Nile cruise ship complete with a swimming pool.

Price starts from £3,695pp for 10 nights.

Morocco is a sensory delight - from the aromas of spice vendors and fresh-baked bread in the souks to the painter's palette vision of the desert at sunset. We go one step further: listen to the sounds of a live Gnawa music performance in the Sahara and taste the best of Morocco at dinner with a local family in Chefchaouen, the 'blue city'.

Upgraded accommodation includes chic riads, boutique hotels with hammam and spa facilities, and a premium nomadic camp.

Price starts from £3,395pp for 14 nights.

Comments

bottom of page