Ramble Worldwide boosts trade team and targets 9,000 passengers

Ramble Worldwide has made three appointments as part of its drive to boost trade relationships, expand its product range and increase passenger numbers.

 

Aanjla Sengupta has joined the walking specialist in the newly created head of customer experience role, responsible for all sales channels including agents.

 

She has 30 years of industry experience, including senior roles with operators including Cox & Kings.

 

Selina Pridmore is the new head of product, leading portfolio diversification and expansion into new destinations.

 

She has more than 20 years of product development experience including roles at Instant Travel and Flight Centre.

 

Marc Pembroke, the new product and commercial manager for Northern Europe and Italy, will work with agents, customers, guides and suppliers.

 

Wayne Perks, managing director, said “strengthening” support for agents remains central to the operator’s growth and these appointments “enhance our ability to work closely with our trade partners”.

 

Furthermore, Sengupta will free up partnership manager Alison Scott to focus more on business development.

 

More: Carol Dray and Debbie Marshall join Ramble Worldwide board

 

The appointments follow that of industry veterans Carol Dray and Debbie Marshall, who joined the board in November. Perks also appointed former Shearings Holidays managing director Jane Atkins as a non-executive director in October 2024.

 

“There’s a lot of talent [on the board], people who could really help us and have a genuine interest in walking, the outdoors and active lifestyles,” he said.

 

“Previously, the board was made up of non-travel people – ex-walkers and leaders from the business – so when I joined [August 2024], we didn’t have anyone from the travel sector involved.

 

“It’s been great to bring in three strong female members from the industry [with] really good experience.”

 

He said Atkins helped seal trade distribution deals with Hays Travel and Advantage. Being an Aito member also facilitates access to Aito agents.

 

Trade sales have risen from 5% in 2024 to almost 10% in 2025, and passenger numbers are 15% up year on year to about 8,000 passengers in 2025.

 

“We’re aiming for probably 9,000 [in 2026],” he added.

 

This year sees the 80th anniversary of the brand which now offers more than 300 tours to more than 40 countries – with a major new destination to be launched later this month.

 

The operator also plans to increase its Adagio programme of slower-paced holidays as well as the new range of adventure weekends, which attracts younger clients, aged about 50-55 who are still working so have less time for holidays.

 

Perks also noted how agents are securing bookings with groups of friends or family for special occasions, such as landmark birthdays.

 

Ramble is continuing to produce digital-only brochures but also has a quarterly lifestyle magazine, which can also be used by agents for their clients.

 

Some of the company’s 250 walking leaders visited agents in December to talk about the brand and deliver hampers as a thank you for their support.