Cashel Travel acquires Manchester-based Great British Trips

Destination management company Cashel Travel has acquired Manchester-based Great British Trips for an undisclosed sum.

The Edinburgh firm, which is currently experiencing its ‘best ever year’, purchased the independent travel specialist as part of its expansion plans across the UK and Ireland.

Great British Trips specialise in self-guided holidaysand independent travel in the UK and in Ireland under Great Irish Trips.

They are a family run, privately owned tour operator similar to Cashel Travel. Founded by Ruth and Andrew Lancey in 2010, Great British Trips is a ‘highly innovative tour operator specialising in the B2C market as well as offering services for FIT’s and ad hoc group tours for tour operators’, according to a statement released by Cashel Travel.

Since the purchase of Great British Trips it has been operating under the Cashel Travel banner and will continue to trade as normal, the company said.

The addition of highly experienced staff in Manchester strengthens Cashel Travels position to deliver a better range of services across the UK & Ireland to their many clients.

Cashel Travel said it is having its best year ever on the back of an exceptionally strong marketing and sales drive over the last few years.

The company employs over 30 staff in its Edinburgh office and the purchase of Great British Trips will add a further 5; Cashel Travel is projecting a turnover this year in excess of £6million.

James Aitken, Cashel Travel Managing Director, said “We believe the ethos of the two companies match perfectly and we are delighted to have everyone in Great British Trips join our very busy team.

“Cashel Travel is one of the largest privately-owned Destination Management Companies in Britain and having an office in Manchester with such an experienced team will really strengthen our UK and Irish business. 2017 has been an exceptional year due in part to our investment in sales and technology, not to mention an extremely favourable exchange rate.”

Cashel Travel has also recently become a member of events and destination management partnership, Euromic, which admits members by invitation only, covering the Great Britain and Ireland MICE market.

Hasan Dinc, president of Euromic, said: “Euromic is proud to be able to promote again these amazing locations and unique experiences that Cashel Travel has to offer. By granting access to these two wonderful and unique countries, euromic has the ability to broaden its services greatly.”