All the world’s a stage for actor-turned-travel agent


Andrew McQuarrie


An actor who appeared in James Bond film Casino Royale has set up a travel agency after changing careers nearly 20 years ago. Simon Cox launched Conacu


Voyages from his Hertfordshire home last summer and has been trading through Protected Trust Services for several months. “We’ve had a few enquiries and


bookings,” said Cox, who specialises in “once-in-a-lifetime experiences”. After 18 years in theatre, during


which he worked with Dame Judi Dench, Dame Maggie Smith and Alan Rickman, Cox joined Trailfinders in 2008 and progressed to cruise sales manager for the UK and Ireland. He left in 2017 to become a sales


coach and trainer, before specialising in selling polar cruises. Now running his own agency – its


name invented by his eight-year-old daughter – he has adopted a “low-volume, high-reward” approach. In Casino Royale, released in


2006, he appears in a scene after Daniel Craig’s Bond is poisoned at the poker table. “I’m the first person to say ‘007’ in


the genesis of James Bond’s 00 status,” he said, adding that he continues to feel fortunate to have landed the


NOW: Simon Cox It’s like being in the


theatre and wanting the audience to say ‘wow’ – I want that experience with my clients


part. “When I saw the film, I was so engrossed in it that I forgot I was in it.” After graduating from acting


school in 1990, Cox spent nine years acting and about the same period as a theatre director, including directing touring productions of hit National Theatre show The History Boys. “I was also assistant director on


On the Beach starts consultation over possible 100-plus job losses


On the Beach has begun a formal staff consultation process which “may put some roles at risk”. The agency confirmed a 45-day process – suggesting 100-plus jobs affected – began on March 26. The Manchester-headquartered business, which recorded 505 employees in its most recent annual report, cited technological “streamlining” as the reason for the proposal.


8 2 APRIL 2026


THEN: On stage at The Old Vic, London


The Breath of Life, a two-hander with Dame Judi Dench and Dame Maggie Smith,” said Cox. “Talk about being lucky. Just watching two legends interacting with each other was gobsmacking. It was amazing.” Reflecting on his move into travel,


he said: “I started on the bottom rung as a worldwide sales consultant, but after 18 years of working in theatre, relationship-building with clients was something that came naturally.” He added: “I always felt that


going the extra mile for people was important. It’s almost like being at the theatre, where you want the audience to say ‘wow’ – I want that experience with my clients.”


Heapy eyes Gatwick growth as first Jet2 flight takes off


Jet2 chief Steve Heapy is already targeting growth at Gatwick after waving off the company’s inaugural flight from the airport last week. The airline, which is basing six aircraft at its 14th UK airport, operated a 9.55am service to Tenerife last Thursday. Heapy said he would “love” to make use of any capacity that arises.


Oceania launches competition to find five Insiders


Oceania Cruises has launched a competition with a luxury cruise for two to be won, as the line seeks five travel agent brand ambassadors. The five winners will become


official Oceania Insiders and work with the cruise line to promote its offering, with preferential access to training, events and trips. Each winner will receive a £100


gift voucher, with one “standout” Insider winning the ultimate prize of a seven to 10-day cruise for two. Paul Beale, Oceania and Regent


Seven Seas Cruises vice-president of sales for the UK and Ireland, and Louise Craddock, Oceania sales director for the UK and Ireland, launched the competition in a webcast with Travel Weekly. They invited agents to enter by


submitting a short video explaining why they love Oceania. Craddock said: “We love


working with you and want to find five amazing individuals who we can work with in the coming years.” Entrants don’t need to have


sailed with Oceania, but could talk about working with the cruise line or feedback from a guest. As ambassadors, the winning


agents will be expected to help train colleagues and will be invited to ship visits and other events. Beale added: “We are looking


for enthusiasm and passion.” i Competitions, page 26


Carnival Corporation reports no ‘significant’ cancellation rates


Carnival Corporation reported no “significant” cancellation trends among its cruise lines since the outbreak of the Iran war as it revealed record first-quarter revenues of $6.2 billion for the three months to the end of February, compared with $5.8 billion for the same quarter a year ago. Chief executive Josh Weinstein said onboard spending was “consistently strong”.


travelweekly.co.uk


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