The owner of Africa & Beyond and four other specialist travel companies has brought them together under a new collection, called The Expert Travel Group.
Specialist operators Ski Gems and Caledonia Golf Journeys, four-branch independent agency C the World and homeworking group Doors to Manual, which are all owned by Matt Purser, make up the other four companies in the new group.
Matt will continue to oversee the businesses as Managing Director of The Expert Travel Group, He has set up a new leadership team, including former AITO Head of Industry Affairs Christina Brazier, who joins as Commercial Director, and Africa & Beyond MD Jamie Taylor, who takes on an addition role as Sales Director of the new group.
Other key members include Operations Director Molly Adshead and Marketing Director Cheryl Mallon.
In addition, Julie Gough has been appointed as Sales Director of Africa & Beyond, leading the brand’s sales strategy, strengthen trade partnerships and support its continued growth.
Matt said: “The launch of The Expert Travel Group reflects how our business has evolved. Over recent years we have grown a collection of successful specialist travel brands, each with its own identity, expertise and reputation.
“Bringing them together under one group provides a clear strategic direction while preserving the independence and specialist focus that have made each brand unique. Just as importantly, this is an investment in our people.
“By strengthening our leadership team, we’re creating the structure, expertise and support needed to continue growing our brands, building even stronger partnerships across the travel industry and delivering exceptional tailormade holidays.
“Travel agents have always been at the heart of our business and that won’t change. We remain firmly committed to working in partnership with the travel trade, providing the specialist knowledge, service and support that help our agent partners deliver outstanding holidays for their clients.
“Our ambition is simple: to build one of the UK’s leading independent groups of specialist travel brands whilst staying true to the expertise, personal service and trusted relationships that have always defined us.”
