NEWS — DIGEST
“Our own research shows people want
authenticity when it comes to their holidays” Nikki White, page 28
GAZETTEERS.COM POLL RESULT
MUSIC PLAYED IN-STORE IN A BID TO AMP UP BOOKINGS WOULD..? 82% Strike a chord 18% Be out of tune
Kim Winser will be guest speaker
On The Beach says reported ‘plan for a £200m flotation’ is speculation
On The Beach described reports it is being lined up for a £200 million flotation by private equity owner Inflexion as pure speculation. The investment company was said to have held a “beauty
parade” of bankers to lead an initial public offering. It was reported Inflexion was looking for a market valuation of about £200 million, 10 times On The Beach’s annual turnover of £20 million. Such a valuation would mean a significant return for Inflexion, which bought On The Beach from rival Isis Equity Partners for £73 million last October. Simon Cooper, founder of On The Beach, which is 10 years old
this year, said: “It’s perfectly normal for private equity-backed businesses to have ongoing conversations with advisers. So therefore there will be conversations with banks and potential buyers taking place over the course of time, but the reports were pure speculation.”
Start-up launches ‘fly now, pay later’
A start-up that has developed a ‘fly now, pay later’ model for travel firms is aiming to fund 130,000 trips in the next 18 months. Travelfund launched the service in partnership with tailor-made
holiday specialist TravelPack and payment specialist Advance Payment Solutions. It is the first operator offer this payment model. The firm plans a full commercial rollout with a much broader
range of travel partners later this summer. Travelfund allows customer to go on holiday before paying the full balance, giving them up to 12 months to pay after booking.
Harry Potter stars, including Helena Bonham Carter (right) and Tom Felton (third left) tour Diagon Alley
Harry Potter films’ stars preview new attraction Harry Potter fans will be able to experience a recreation of the wizard’s cobbled shopping alley at Universal Studios Florida next month. Among the attractions of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley will be the Hogwarts Express train ride and stage show The Tales of Beedle the Bard. Inspiration was drawn from London’s markets. Travel Weekly, among other press and media, and the film’s stars, previewed the attraction last week. ❯ Preview, page 17
Judging takes place for AWTE’s 60 for 60 list
Judging is being held this week to choose the 60 most-influential women in the travel and tourism industry to mark the Association of Women Travel Executive’s (AWTE) 60th anniversary. Travel Weekly Group chairman Clive Jacobs, former Tui Travel UK managing director Dermot Blastland and former Advantage chief executive John McEwan are judging the nominations for the final ‘60 for 60’ list. Nominees have been
contacted, and the top 60 will be announced at the AWTE’s 60th anniversary dinner in London on July 14. Guest speaker will be businesswoman Kim Winser, who was awarded an OBE in 2006 for services to the British fashion industry. Several guests will model the Winser London collection on the night. Travel recruitment firm Harp Wallen are among the sponsors of the event. Tickets are selling fast but
are still available. A new ‘diamante’ rate has been set up to encourage small groups or individuals to make up tables of 10 at the member rate of £117.60 each. The booking deadline is June 30.
awte.org.uk
26 June 2014 —
travelweekly.co.uk • 9
PICTURE: REUTERS
PICTURE: UNIVERSALSTUDIOSORLANDO
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