February 24, 2012

What happened to commercial tag-alongs?

Just been looking at a list from 10 years ago of companies that offered commercial off-road tag-along tours. Of a dozen listed, many are now gone and among the survivors only three are still in the tag-along business. Not many new ones have come forward to bolster the ranks. How come? I believe the companies had to charge more than the general public wanted to pay, to make it commercially viable. And I don't believe the demand was ever there to sustain a dozen or so operators. Your views are welcome.

7 comments:

  1. I'd sooner support the fund raisers.

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  2. I agree with the first comments. The commercial operators can go rot.

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  3. Have you seen how much those robbers charge?

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  4. I went on a number of commercial trips and found them generally quite good. They were no more expensive than most fund raisers, in some cases less, and you had the advantage of guidance from an expert. OSH would have a heart attack if they saw what went on at some of the fund raisers I've attended.

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  5. New Zealand is too small market for commercial tag-alongs to make any money. Much of their fee goes into land access and other charges, not into their pockets.

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  6. I was involved with tagalongs for a while as a crew member and Gordon is on the money. It's a great way to work for no return, but hopeless if you want to make a dollar. Meanwhile, some of the fundraisers have become very expensive and if people are happy to pay those high prices I wouldn't be surprised to see commercial tagalongs making a comeback.

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