1. How long has your business been operating, and how did it start up?

Borton Overseas was originally founded in 1894 as Sunden, Vanstrum, and Co. specializing in steamship travel for the new wave of immigrants coming from Scandinavia to the U.S. In 1986, Vanstrum Travel became a division of Borton Overseas, LLC. We've since then expanded programming to Greenland, Iceland, and the Baltic countries, as well as adding other primary specializations in Africa and small ship cruises and expeditions.

Borton Overseas is a highly regarded and respected pioneer and innovator in the design of incredible journeys to these spectacular lands. Kjell Bergh, owner of Borton Overseas, is a native Norwegian from Kristiansund, Norway.

Africa

Since 1976, Borton Overseas has offered programs to Africa, partnering with Africa's most respected and reliable incoming tour companies, guides, camps and lodges. Since we personally visit and inspect many of the destinations and accommodations we offer, we're able to create the perfect experience for every type of client.

Our commitment to Africa goes far deeper than our adventures in the bush. We are devoted to assisting churches with their mission programs to Africa, offering particularly deep knowledge and assistance for groups traveling to Tanzania and Malawi. The owner of Borton Overseas, Kjell Bergh, is highly respected for his dedicated service to environmental and community issues such as anti-poaching and building hospitals and schools. Kjell is also Honorary Consul to the United Republic of Tanzania. Borton Overseas is one of the pioneering safari companies to promote cultural interaction in Africa.

Cruises/Expeditions

Britain-based Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines appointed Borton Overseas in 2002 to be their sales, reservations and marketing experts for serving North American clientele. The Fred. Olsen Cruise experience is perfect for those desiring a traditional cruise on a small ship. Fred. Olsen cruises offer frequent and varied itineraries in the Baltic Sea, the west coast of Norway including the North Cape and to Iceland and Greenland. The line also offers a wonderful series of cruises to the Canary Islands and North Africa as well as to the Mediterranean. Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines' four ships (ranging in size from 450 to 830 passengers) glide into ports that other lines can only feature as an optional excursion on a bus! This and their onboard service earned them the honor of being named "Best Niche Cruise Line" by a major British travel publication.

We are also delighted to offer a significant cruise series on "even smaller" ships operated by Clipper Cruise Lines and Polar Star Expeditions to Antarctica, high northern waters and the west coast of South America.

2. What are the main attractions of your activity in the area you operate?

In Africa we provide safaris, wildlife viewing, general sightseeing, luxury train trips, adventure travel, cultural exchanges and service trips; in Scandinavia - general sightseeing, hiking, skiing, fjord cruises, cultural experiences and much more.

3. What unique features do you offer?

Borton Overseas is committed to promoting sensitive culture exchange with the people of Africa in all areas that we operate. We have initiated special project areas in both Tanzania and Malawi, which offer churches and individuals the opportunity to work shoulder-to-shoulder with the local communities in group financed projects. Current projects including building schools, churches, medical clinics and further support is offered by groups purchasing and distributing school uniforms, sports and medical equipment and just lending a hand.

4. What do your customers appreciate in you the most?

Our exceptional and very experienced staff! Although Borton Overseas is small in comparison to the "big glossy" companies, our experienced staff has huge heart and enthusiasm for helping our clients create wonderful itineraries.

5. You have been an InfoHub partner since July 1997. How would you describe your experience of working with InfoHub?

InfoHub has been an excellent partner to grow old with! We have especially appreciated the fact that the InfoHub team has solicited and valued our feedback to incorporate into their future programming - making the InfoHub process better and better every year.

6. You have been quite successful in converting InfoHub referrals into bookings. Our records show that you have been paying InfoHub $8.71 for each referral. How would you explain your success?

As our referrals from InfoHub have become more refined to our target client, we have seen an increased percentage of conversions to sales over the years. Our staff promptly replies to all inquiries with personal attention to their requests. Many of our clients have specifically remarked that this was the number one reason they booked with us!

7. How do you follow up with the referrals InfoHub sends you?

See the answer above.