Top Tour Operators: A Comprehensive Overview

How Voting Works
What Readers Loved
The Winner
The Full List

While we travel to see the sights, what we really take home are the enriching experiences. Therefore, finding the right tour operator—one that blends insider knowledge about a destination with the best ways to experience it—can significantly enhance a trip. Moreover, with the right combination of services, it can create unforgettable moments, contributing to the increasing trend of group travel.

How Voting Works

Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, GoTravelDaily invites readers to provide insight into their travel experiences worldwide. This survey encourages them to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. In 2023, nearly 165,000 readers participated, marking a significant increase of nearly 25 percent compared to pre-pandemic levels, casting over 685,000 votes across more than 8,500 unique properties.

Tour operators and safari outfitters were rated on the following criteria:

Staff/guides
Itineraries/destinations
Activities
Accommodations
Food
Value

For each characteristic, respondents rated their experiences as excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores represent the averages of these responses.

What Readers Loved

With nine of the companies returning from last year’s list, a notable trend is their focus on specific regions. For instance, this year’s No. 1 pick, ATJ, specializes in luxury travel, offering both bespoke private and small group itineraries across Austrasia. Additionally, destination experts like InsideJapan Tours (No. 10) provide themed trips ranging from honeymoons to diving tours across Japan. Vagabond Tours of Ireland (No. 12) also made its debut on the list, known for its B Corporation status and personalized adventure styles.

Another significant aspect is the commitment of operators who go the extra mile. Two returning favorites are Artisans of Leisure (No. 3), praised for their expertise and flawless execution of trips. Another standout is Black Tomato (dropping from No. 4 to No. 6), fulfilling travelers’ diverse curiosities with their global adventures.

Loyalty also plays a critical role in defining remarkable tour operators. Readers frequently shared that after multiple journeys, they found DuVine Cycling + Adventure Co. (No. 2) to be exceptional, with sentiments like, “The best cycling trips I’ve been on.” This reflects the ideal combination of dedicated service, quality accommodations, and personal touches that inspire a passion for exploration. Below is the complete list of the top 15 tour operators, as voted by GoTravelDaily readers.

The Winner

ATJ

Formerly known as Asia Transpacific Journeys, ATJ has previously made the list in 2011, 2017, and 2018. This year, it proudly holds the No. 1 spot. The company offers tailored tours in countries such as Australia, Bhutan, Japan, Laos, Mongolia, Morocco, Nepal, Vietnam, and Taiwan, focusing on custom itineraries and private group trips. Travelers rave about their responsive and personable customer service, with many expressing a strong sense of loyalty. Feedback such as “I have used the same agent, and she always remembers what we like” highlights the commitment to personalizing the travel experience.