Increased publicity for travel agencies as Race Across the World draws people in

No artists, no pleasures and a spendthrift £20, 000 in reward money. Race Across the World, a BBC One collection, always appeared to be a hit on paper. The journey program, which pits tourists against each other on remote planets, is now in its third year, and the demand for tickets is rising faster than a tuk-tuk drivers can take you down Bangkok’s Khao San Road. Five two-person teams are currently taking off from Sapporo in northern Japan on their way to Lombok in Indonesia, according to 5.5 million visitors. That is almost a million more people than the third season’s average, which is record-setting numbers for south Asian travel agencies. According to Inside Travel Group’s James Mundy,” Orders for Japan have increased by 75 %.” The day after the initial event aired, “people were coming into our business to book.” The organization, which specialises in historical wedding and off- the- beaten- track areas, has seen additional countries benefit. ” After Korea featured in the second show”, says Mundy, “bookings rose by 46 %” .Other travel operators are seeing the boost. ” When the show started we saw a 30 % increase in Japan searches”, says Jo Fairweather from Little Better Adventures, pointing out that the country’s unique blend of ancient cultures, pristine forest and modern cities is hugely interesting. Related increases have occurred in Trailfinders and Responsible Travel. Control is being exerted by Race Across the World as well. The increasing influence of television and film set on holiday choices has been noted by Seamus McCauley, head of public affairs at the travel business Holiday Extras. ” Season two of White Lotus boosted Italy, Malta is getting more attention through Gladiator 2 – television definitely can make significant shifts in what’s popular “.Those large- buck blockbusters are far from Race Across the World’s penny- pinching frugality, but here lies its charm: limited cash means contestants cannot just leap into a taxi, and definitely not on a plane – that’s forbidden. Not only that, phones and credit cards are taken away. It appears to be 1980s student travel for older viewers. Cash is eked out, locals consulted, leading to fascinating diversions. A memorable homestay in a floating village in Cambodia is made possible by mother and daughter Eugenie and Isabel, whose relationship can be turbulent. Skip past newsletter promotionAfter newsletter promotionFrequently the friendliness of the yawning cultural divide: Owen, a 20-year-old boy, baffles a Shinto priest with his witty,” Chill out.” Demonstrators study quickly and with great depth. The outcome offers a glimpse into the kind of travel so many people yearn for: authentic encounters where strangers emerge as good people and return home with heartfelt tales.