Specialist travel brands commit to trade while unifying under single group structure

Five specialist travel brands have been brought together under a single group structure alongside a commitment to work with the trade.

The Expert Travel Group unites Africa & Beyond, Ski Gems, Caledonia Golf Journeys, C the World and Doors to Manual under one umbrella.

It has been created after two years of record trading and expansion to enable a stronger platform for collaboration, investment and long-term growth while preserving the individuality, specialist expertise and market positioning of each brand.

The brands offer specialist expertise across Africa, ski, golf, bespoke touring and worldwide travel.

An executive leadership team has been established with dedicated responsibility for sales, commercial strategy, marketing and operations to support the next stage of development.

Founder and owner Matt Purser will continue to lead the business as managing director of the group, overseeing its strategic direction and long-term growth.

The executive leadership team also comprises:

• Jamie Taylor – sales director, The Expert Travel Group and managing director, Africa & Beyond
• Molly Adshead – operations director
• Cheryl Mallon – marketing director
• Christina Brazier – commercial director, previously with Aito

Julie Gough has been appointed sales director of Africa & Beyond to lead the brand’s sales strategy, strengthen trade partnerships and support its continued growth.

Purser 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 tailor-made holidays.”

He added: “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."