5 2
Bath: I’m sad to see the brand go
Juliet Dennis
juliet.dennis@
travelweekly.co.uk
The man whose family name was synonymous with high street travel retailing in the south of England for 90 years has expressed his “sadness” at plans to drop the Bath Travel brand.
Speaking about the decision of
new owner Hays Travel to rebrand the 60 stores by Christmas, ex-Abta president Stephen Bath said he was confident the agency would thrive. He started with the business
in 1977 and, as joint managing director, sold it two years ago. “We knew it would happen, but
it’s earlier than expected,” he said. “I thought the name would stay
for three or four more years, but John Hays took the company over and can do what he wants. “Hays is trying to become more
of a national operator.” Bath maintained branding was important for an independent agency, but added: “Hays is still an independent agency. The Hays name has cropped up and been in branches now for two years.” He said he was confident the
rebrand would not have a negative effect on business, which he believed was benefiting from Hays Travel’s technology, while remaining family-run. “Hays wants Bath Travel to
prosper and staff to do well, and people will still go into the shops where they recognise staff,” Bath added. “I hope there are benefits to
customers: Bath Travel has the best foreign exchange rates. John Hays knows the business, talks to staff and is a successful entrepreneur.” Bath credited Hays’ decision
to expand into foreign exchange, homeworking and franchising for its impressive turnover growth. “He has been in business 35
years and grown the business to be twice the size of Bath Travel in turnover terms because he made innovations we didn’t,” he said. Bath will continue to recount
the history of the business as a speaker at corporate events. The rebranding coincides
with the retirement of sales and marketing director Roger Barker – the only remaining director from before the Hays buyout – after more than 40 years with Bath.
Godmother Wilby takes Royal role
Hollie-Rae Merrick
hollie@travelweekly.co.uk
A former agent who won a Travel Weekly competition to become godmother to Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas has been appointed brand ambassador for the cruise line.
Emma Wilby, who is a trained
drama therapist, was left with no choice but to leave her job at Thomson’s branch in Elgin, Scotland, after her husband Stephen, who is in the army, was redeployed to Catterick, in North Yorkshire. She was soon approached by
Royal and offered the ambassador role, plus the position of marketing coordinator. She started in the role this week. Wilby, who was named godmother in April, sang at the launch of the ship in Southampton and at the Travel Weekly Agent Achievement Awards in July. Speaking to Travel Weekly after
Stephen Bath sold Bath Travel in 2013
her first day, Wilby said: “I feel extremely lucky to be joining such a great team. When I entered the
“We went on a search to find a godmother – and we found a brand ambassador”
competition, I never dreamed these opportunities would come about. I’m very excited about it all. “During the launch [of Anthem],
I was really interested in the PR and marketing side, so I’ll be learning more about that too.” Royal Caribbean director of sales Ben Bouldin said: “In 2014, we went on a search to find a godmother for Anthem – and we found an exceptional brand ambassador for Royal Caribbean in Emma. “Her on-the-ground experience and historical ties to the cruise industry, coupled with her friendly nature, make her a terrific ambassador as we build stronger relationships with our valued trade partners.” In her new role, Wilby will attend
trade and press events around the country, educating people about Royal’s Quantum-class ships.
29 October 2015
travelweekly.co.uk 5 3
Emma Wilby on board Anthem of the Seas
STORIES HOT
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80