Contiki has added 76 new trips and reorganised its entire portfolio into eight "Travel Worlds", a restructuring the company calls the biggest transformation in its more than 64-year history. The initiative, branded Go Wander, responds to demand among young travellers for more varied experiences at different price points.

The company cited research showing South Africans aged 18–34 took an average of 5.6 international trips over the past five years — roughly one overseas trip per year. The same research found 75% of young South Africans would consider an organised group trip for part of their next international journey, while almost six in 10 preferred a group of 15 people or fewer.

Toni Ambler, chief customer officer at Contiki, said: "Go Wander is a reinvention of Contiki, inspired by the pioneering spirit that's been part of our story from the start and reimagined for a new generation of young travellers."

What are the eight Travel Worlds?

The new structure lets customers select trips by interest and travel style rather than by region alone. The portfolio now spans:

• Contiki Local — small-group tours focused on immersive experiences beyond main attractions
• Contiki Originals — the company's established itineraries, including its original European tours
• Contiki Highlights — trips built around selected major attractions
• Contiki Lite — lower-priced itineraries making group travel more affordable
• Contiki Outdoors — active trips centred on outdoor activities and adventure
• Contiki Islands — island holidays in Greece, Indonesia and the Maldives
• Contiki Festivals — trips with access to international music and cultural festivals
• Contiki Luxe — a collection of higher-end travel experiences

Ambler said the expansion serves both agents and travellers: "With 76 new trips, eight new travel worlds built around personal interests, and more ways to travel, we're giving our travel agent partners more opportunities to match their clients with the right adventure — and young people more freedom to explore on their own terms."

She added: "That spirit of discovery comes to life in our new digital experience, making it easier for agents and their clients to explore what's on offer, find inspiration and turn personal interests into unforgettable travel experiences."

Where is Contiki expanding?

Fiji and the Maldives join the destination map as new additions. Contiki is also adding itineraries in India and Japan. The push into Asia rests on a nearly 29% increase in passenger travel to the region between 2023 and 2026, according to company figures.

How has pricing changed?

Contiki has introduced lower everyday pricing across its portfolio in response to cost-of-living pressures. The revised model removes the need for customers to wait for flash sales or limited-time promotions to access lower prices — a structural shift for a sector that has leaned heavily on discount windows to fill departures.

Kelly Jackson, MD and SVP Sales EMEA at Contiki, framed the launch as a commercial opportunity for the trade. "For our SA travel agent partners, this is about opening up a whole new world of selling opportunities," she said. "Young travellers aren't all looking for the same holiday, and with eight distinct Travel Worlds, 76 new trips and a refreshed pricing approach, agents now have so many more ways to introduce Contiki to their customers."

Jackson continued: "Contiki has always been known for bringing young people together through travel, but there's now so much more to discover, whether that's immersive local experiences, outdoor adventures, island escapes or something a little more luxurious."

She stressed the distribution logic behind the relaunch: "Our agents are incredibly important to us, and we want to give them the products, confidence and tools to turn that inspiration into bookings. This isn't simply about launching more trips; it's about creating more reasons for young people to travel and more opportunities for our partners to grow their business with us."

What marketing supports the launch?

Contiki has also produced On Contiki, a vertical micro-drama series set in Costa Rica following four young travellers through new adventures and friendships. The series runs on TikTok and YouTube, and the company is encouraging travel agents to share it with prospective young customers as a soft-entry sales tool.

The combination — segmented product, everyday pricing and social-first content — positions Go Wander as Contiki's bet that the youth market has outgrown a one-size-fits-all tour.