Journey Beyond expands UK trade team to boost growth

Australian travel group Journey Beyond has expanded its UK trade team with the appointment of Nikki Metcalfe as business development executive for the UK and Europe.

She joins the UK trade team alongside Richard Howarth, business development manager for the UK and Europe, to support the brand’s “rapid growth” in the region.

Metcalfe has more than 25 years of travel industry experience, including 21 years at Flight Centre Travel Group.

She worked for several Flight Centre brands and was a senior manager at Infinity Holidays, developing a specialisation in Australian and New Zealand travel products.

Her most recent role was product trainer and destination specialist leader at Flight Centre.

She said: “This is the perfect opportunity for me to embrace my passion for collaborating with UK and European agents to promote luxury experiential products from Australia and New Zealand.

“My journey with Journey Beyond began over 20 years ago when I travelled by rail across the magnificent Nullarbor.

“It is an incredibly exciting time to be joining this remarkable company, which shares many of my values, and I cannot wait to see how we can grow together.”

Alicia Triggs, executive general manager for sales and partnerships, added: “Nikki’s energy, enthusiasm and impressive sales background will be excellent attributes to help build our UK trade partnership, further developing this key market and attracting even more guests to Australia’s shores. We look forward to welcoming her to our growing team.”

Journey Beyond said her appointment comes at a time of “significant momentum” with the group currently reporting a 50% increase in UK direct and trade bookings compared to the same period in 2024.

Headquartered in Adelaide, the group has 20 brands ranging from rail adventures and outback tours to luxury eco-stays. It recently acquired Grand Pacific Tours, marking the brand’s official entry into the New Zealand market in 2026.