Small group operator Explore Worldwide has seen bookings via agents rise by a third compared to pre-pandemic levels.

It said the number of agent bookings made in the January-May period was 33% higher than the same period of 2019, thanks to support throughout the pandemic from its team of business development managers, short call wait times, and sustainability credentials.

The operator has also seen the percentage of bookings from solo travellers rise from 52% before Covid to 60%, while the number of customers booking walking holidays has increased by 55% in the January-May period, compared to the same months in 2019.

Ben Ittensohn, global sales director at Explore, said: “Adventure travel has come back with such gusto this year.

“The coronavirus pandemic has certainly influenced the way customers holiday – from more European destinations and walking holidays to a greater percentage of solo travellers, and people booking closer to departure date.”

The most popular choices for solo travellers include Jordan Discovery, Costa Rica Wildlife Tour and Amalfi Coast Walking.

Another growth area is slow travel and holidays by rail.

Explore’s new London to Marrakesh by Train 19-day tour takes customers from the UK to France, Spain and Morocco

Also new is the two-week Fall colours from Montreal to Boston trip focusing on gentle walks in the National Parks.

In the last four weeks, last-minute bookings for summer 2022 are up 23% on the same period in 2019.

Furthermore, ‘bucket list’ destinations are increasingly popular post-pandemic as customers are making up for two years of not travelling, with sales well above 2019 levels for holidays to the likes of the Maldives, Kilimanjaro (pictured) and the Inca Trail.