David Holland to retire from operator African Pride

African Pride head of sales David Holland is to retire at the end of this month after more than 40 years in the travel industry.

Holland began his career as a travel agent before joining Qantas Jetabout in 1987, and then moving to Travel 2 in 1990, where he was sales director for 16 years, prior to his move to Gold Medal.

He joined specialist tour operator African Pride in 2011 and became a joint director and co-owner in 2017 after buying the business from The Curzon Corporation with Liz Hall, now product manager.

Holland, a well-known figure in the trade, is described by the company as key to developing trade relationships, which has involved dedicated African training and partnerships.

The company has also enjoyed significant growth during his time there. In 2024, African Pride and sister brand Knighton Reeve were acquired by long-haul operator First Class Holidays.

Holland said: “I will miss the African Pride team, the many travel agents I have had the pleasure of knowing over the years and especially being involved with magical, wonderful Africa every day.

“I am proud of what we have achieved with African Pride resulting in us having the best month ever in February. I know I leave it in very good hands under the ownership of the First Class Travel Group and wish all my colleagues and friends all the very best for the future.”

Daniel Gathercole, chief executive, First Class Travel Group, thanked Holland for all his hard work and help since the business was acquired.

He said: “David is such a likeable and genuine person, and he will be greatly missed by me and the entire team.

“I wish him all the best in his retirement and hope he can go on many of the holidays he has been promoting. Since we acquired the business in November 2024, he has been brilliant in helping us continue to grow and ensuring a smooth transition.”

Travel agent Kay Oram, co-owner, The Travel Shop, who has known Holland since his early days in the industry, also paid her respects to Holland.

She said: “David is a true gentleman with a passion for Africa that is infectious. He has always been a friend, ready to give help, advice, and share experiences.

“We have known David since his T2 days, when he even included Alan [co-owner of The Travel Shop] on his one and only mega fam to Australia. Alan still remembers David coaxing him on stage to join in a traditional First Nation dance.

“We have lost count of the wonderful fam trips - South Africa, Botswana, Tanzania, KwaZulu-Natal, to name a few. Clearly respected throughout the industry, he will be greatly missed. We wish David all the best in his retirement.”