The Trail comes highly recommended even from the professionals themselves. Testimonials can be found on The Intelligence Trail website, and the guide Mr. X is armed with a BA (Hons) in International Relations, specialising in security affairs, as well as politics/economics lecturing experience.

06/12/10  NEWS RELEASE: London Spy Tour Customers Stay With The ‘Trail – After It’s Over

Acclaimed London walking tour THE INTELLIGENCE TRAIL is keeping customers up to date with what’s going on in the spying and espionage world, as well as tour developments, with the ‘Trail Telegraph – the new monthly email newsletter. 

“After an initial trial version was emailed to previous customers and prospects in October, the feedback received has certainly made it worthwhile to go forward and officially launch the newsletter in January 2011,” said Brian Gray, Head of Marketing. 

But rather than merely consisting of developments to the tour itself, the ‘Trail Telegraph will also keep customers and supporters informed of the latest news stories from around the world as well. And as Gray states, there’s no shortage of suitable material. 

“Russian spy rings smashed in Georgia, Russian spies in the US, a British MP’s assistant alleged to be working for the SVR, US activities in Scandinavia, and of course the current WikiLeaks revelations. All reinforce the fact that the spying game is being played continuously around the world,” said Gray. “And whether it’s the real-life events, or the dramatised tales in cinemas or books, the genre is incredibly captivating: people want to immerse themselves into this mysterious world.” 

The ‘Trail Telegraph is but one communications channel open between the popular London walk and customers, fans, and supporters. An official fan site on Facebook acts as a hub for news stories and tour updates, receiving feedback and facilitating dialogue with others. Then there’s the soon-to-be launched blog, with even more spook-related and original content. 

For tourism companies like THE INTELLIGENCE TRAIL, using online social media effectively is invaluable. Gray is wholeheartedly embracing it both as a means of raising awareness of the ‘Trail among the plethora of other London walking tours, and to encourage dialogue and form relationships. 

“One-way communication between a company and its customers or prospects is a thing of the past, regardless of the industry one is competing in. People want relationships, not just transactions, especially when it’s something of great interest. The newsletter, Facebook fan page, Twitter, and the blog embrace this.” 

Gray is quick to acknowledge that the area the tour focuses on – the shadowy, cloak-and-dagger world of spying and intelligence – is one that naturally lends itself to discussion.

“There’s a constant stream of spy movies watched by cinema goers around the world. Spy novels continue to sell in healthy numbers. All of this generates dialogue: whether it’s debating in the pub the best James Bond actor, or commenting on the very real events taking place around us.” 

To receive future copies of the ‘Trail Telegraph, or to find out more about THE INTELLIGENCE TRAIL pages on Facebook and Twitter, visit the official website, www.intelligencetrail.co.uk for more information.

30/11/10  NEWS RELEASE: London Spy Walk ‘Debriefs’ customers

London’s in-depth spy walk, THE INTELLIGENCE TRAIL, is taking a leaf out of the intelligence services’ book, inviting walkers to participate in their own ‘debriefings’ after completing the popular London walking tour. 

After each tour, customers are asked to complete a survey seeking feedback on key aspects of the ‘Trail. Questionnaires come with a stamped-addressed envelope for customers to post the survey form back (along with any other comments), in the days following their tour.  

Brian Gray, Head of Marketing for THE INTELLIGENCE TRAIL, explained the rationale for introducing the feedback programme.

“Every business needs to know what it’s doing well, what customers value and what can be improved upon. London walking tours such as THE INTELLIGENCE TRAIL are no exception. It’s sincerely hoped that after customers have spent an afternoon or evening on the ‘Trail listening to ‘Mr. X’, they’ll relish the opportunity for their own thoughts and opinions to be valued.” 

Customers shouldn't fear a ‘hostile interrogation’ of their own, however. The survey is relatively brief and will, as Gray states, provide invaluable feedback. 

“All responses will be welcomed, especially considering the range of initiatives and offerings that are currently being considered for introduction in 2011.” 

And despite the recent cold weather, the London spy walk has continued to lure espionage aficionados. 

“We’re a hardy bunch, here in London,” said Gray. “The Cold War didn't stop because it got 'cold' so neither will THE INTELLIGENCE TRAIL. People wrap up: they wear sensible clothes, a hat over their head, and can have a hot drink in their hands from one of the coffee shops near the rendezvous point. This tends to keep Mother Nature at bay for the moment.”

23/11/10  NEWS RELEASE: London Spy Tour Has Walkers Warmed for Cold War Intrigue

The colder months are not putting off walkers to THE INTELLIGENCE TRAIL, the acclaimed London spy walk. 

THE INTELLIGENCE TRAIL, London's in-depth spy tour, continues to attract intrigue-lovers throughout the last few months of 2010 on its Sunday afternoon public tours. 

The critically acclaimed London spy walk will be running until Sunday 19th December, then resuming in mid-January 2011. And as Brian Gray, Head of Marketing comments, the spying game is open season, every season.

“Temperature dips didn’t stop ‘The Great Game’ being played out in the London streets throughout the years. So it’s certainly not stopping the tours either!” 

“Canny customers on the walk are already congregating at the tour rendezvous point armed with their takeaway cups from the nearby coffee shops, and wrapping up warmly. And of course there’s always a warm welcome from tour guide Mr.X.”

But for walkers armed with their hot drinks and winter woolies, and who feel that the whole cloak-and-dagger world of spying can’t be done justice during the daylight hours, Wednesday evening tours for groups of five or more may be just the ticket, running until Wednesday 15th December.

“There’s no doubt about it, the evening lends itself perfectly to the world of espionage, as with ghost tours or Jack the Ripper-type events, whatever the time of year. So be it with the second oldest profession and London spy walks,” says Gray. 

15/11/10  NEWS RELEASE: Spy Drama Ensures London Spy Tour Extension

Although the current series of hit BBC1 spy drama 'Spooks' may have come to an end, there are still plenty of opportunities for London espionage lovers to get to grips with the real world of spying and intelligence in the capital, courtesy of THE INTELLIGENCE TRAIL, London's in-depth intelligence and espionage guided tour.

The adults-only London spy tour has enjoyed a very busy Autumn, with increased public tour sizes as well as large corporate bookings. According to Brian Gray, the tour's Head of Marketing, the hit spy drama must be contributing. 

"The spy genre is so popular among fans of all ages, whether it be from watching 'Spooks' on TV, James Bond movies, or reading a gripping John le Carré novel. And this fascination will be around for as long as there are intelligence services conducting their tasks throughout the world. It is after all, the second oldest profession."

To this end, the popular London spy walk is running until the week before Christmas. The last Sunday afternoon public tour will be on the 19th December at 2pm.