Agent wins contract to organise travel for Commonwealth Games Wales team

Welsh agency The Travel Business has won an eight-year contract to organise travel arrangements for the Commonwealth Games Wales team.

The first competition under the agreement will be in Glasgow in 2026, with the Newport-based agency covering “all aspects of travel logistics” for between 200 and 250 athletes, plus accompanying staff such as coaches, sponsors and media.

The athletes will be from sports including athletics, boxing, cycling, swimming, weightlifting, basketball, judo, netball, bowls and parasports. 

The Travel Business will organise travel for juniors and seniors, and will work on related sporting events after the Glasgow competition.

Co-owner Ellie Fowler said: “It blew my mind that my small family‑run company could get a contract like this. When I got the call, I cried – I could not believe it.

“In publicity alone it is a huge opportunity. I am thinking of leisure bookings as well, as I will be travelling with the team and could offer discounts for their own holidays.”

She added: “The reason we were chosen was for organisation [and] the fact we are the best around for groups and sports travel, which we have been leaning into over the last few years.” 

Fowler noted Commonwealth Games Wales is also partnering with Edwards Coaches for transport for the Glasgow games, which is a supplier The Travel Business “already works well with”. 

“For Glasgow, I will be doing all itinerary planning and working with the team and suppliers on all logistics and any other form of transport other than coaches,” she added.

Commonwealth Games Wales chief executive Rebecca Edwards-Symmons said: “The added support from The Travel Business ensures we have a truly all-Wales effort behind the scenes, helping our team arrive in Glasgow ready to compete.”

The agency currently has four staff in its office and a network of homeworkers across the UK, with Fowler planning to get “more hands on deck” to help with future Games.

The host country for the 2030 Commonwealth Games has yet to be chosen but confirmed bidders include India, Canada and Nigeria.