FOOTSTEPS IN ASIA GOES RETAIL WITH WHOLESALE PRICES

Australians travelling to South East Asia will gain direct access to exceptionally competitive packages to Asia hot spots from 1 November with popular boutique wholesale tour operator FOOTSTEPS IN ASIA offering retail bookings to travellers at great wholesale rates.

After nearly 18 years of creating unique adventure and tailored holiday packages for the world's most iconic tour companies including Peregrine Adventures, Gecko Adventures and Exodus Travel, John Powell and his team at Footsteps are making South East Asian destinations directly available to the public.

Powell said that direct bookings will provide independent and small to large groups with exciting Asia travel options tailored to suit all budgets, styles and departures - many of them guaranteed – at difficult to match prices.

"By offering retail services for the first time, Footsteps in Asia is able to better share its experience, know-how and buying power with consumers who book direct or go through their local travel agent."

Powell, founder of fully accredited tour company Footsteps in Asia, has organized more than 250,000 visitors to Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos with tailored options ranging from backpacking to five star comfort.  Activities include trekking, cycling, cultural, eco and home stays as well as gourmet and special interest tours.

Based in Bangkok, Footsteps in Asia has offices in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos and has a team of professional English speaking local guides recognized for their deep knowledge of the regions and friendly support.

The guides, Powell admits, are the secret to FIA's huge travel industry success.

"To ensure customers obtain a great travel experience, Footsteps' guides are continually undergoing training and building on their skills," he said.

"They often share special relationships with the regions they work in and are very sensitive to local people and their customs and the environment.  As a result, they have earned a wealth of local knowledge very difficult to find elsewhere."

Powell said the company's highly experienced hands-on western management team living in Asia provided the foundation for the design and administration of the quality Footsteps in Asia tours.

"Ongoing feedback and research gives us a greater understanding of the expectation of our clients. And we certainly deliver," said Powell.

"We pride ourselves on creating safe, sustainable, quality tours and our attention to detail in selecting accommodation and transport guarantees an enjoyable and fulfilling travel experience."

John Powell and his team at Footsteps in Asia tours have organized SE Asia tours for Peregrine Adventures, Gecko Adventures and Exodus Travel.   More recently, it has managed the tours for The Imaginative Traveler, Sawadee Reisen and The Adventure Company.

For further information on tours:  www.footstepsinasia.com