Travel Club Elite celebrates 40th anniversary

Birmingham agency Travel Club Elite is celebrating its 40th anniversary this month with a series of offers and discounts to mark the milestone.

Founded in August 1985 by Colin Matthews and his late wife, the independent agency began in a second-floor Birmingham city centre office with just two staff.

As it grew, the business opened two high street shops in Birmingham – then 13 years ago it went online only, as the bulk of its business was coming via its website.

The agency now has its largest ever team, including a dedicated customer services department, whose aim follows the company’s initials – TCE – Taking Care of Everything.

Alongside Matthews, there are 12 colleagues, with five in sales, three digital marketers, and three in customer services.

Its office is in Birmingham city centre, where most staff work, with one permanent remote worker.

The agency is open seven days a week, with weekend calls diverted to staff working from home at weekends.

They offer clients premium and luxury holidays with brands such as Club Med, Mark Warner, Neilson, Wendy Wu Tours, Cox & Kings, Titan Travel and Hurtigruten Cruises.

Matthews said: “We’re deeply honoured to have served UK travellers for 40 years. This milestone isn’t just about business longevity – it’s about the trust our customers place in us, the lasting friendships we’ve built and the memories we’ve helped to create for so many around the world.”

To commemorate this milestone, Travel Club Elite is launching a series of offers throughout August, plus a donation of £400 to the SightSavers charity.

Its “40 Year Giveaway” will see airport lounge passes being gifted to randomly selected clients who book during the anniversary month.

Clients who refer friends will receive £40 off their next booking for the “Referral Rewards” scheme, and there are exclusive anniversary discounts across a wide range of holidays.

The agency is also creating a “Loyalty Wall”, a collection of 40 TrustPilot reviews which will be shared across social media, celebrating the journeys of clients.

As it enters its fifth decade, Travel Club Elite is committed to sustainable travel, partnering with eco-conscious providers such as Club Med Eco Resorts and Intrepid Travel to offer holidays that support local communities and protect the planet.

Throughout its 40 years, Travel Club Elite has been a member of Abta.