Welsh agent wins contract for Commonwealth Games


Ella Sagar


Welsh agency The Travel Business has won an eight-year contract to organise travel arrangements for the Commonwealth Games Wales team. The first competition under


the agreement will be in Glasgow in 2026, with the Newport-based agency covering “all aspects of travel logistics” for between 200 and 250 athletes, plus accompanying staff such as coaches, sponsors and media. The athletes will be from sports


including athletics, boxing, cycling, swimming, weightlifting, basketball, judo, netball, bowls and parasports. The Travel Business will organise


travel for juniors and seniors, and will work on related sporting events after the Glasgow competition. Co-owner Ellie Fowler said:


“It blew my mind that my small family-run company could get a contract like this. When I got the call, I cried – I could not believe it. “In publicity alone it is a huge


opportunity. I am thinking of leisure bookings as well, as I will be travelling with the team and could offer discounts for their own holidays.” She added: “The reason we were


chosen was for organisation [and] the fact we are the best around for groups and sports travel, which we have been


Ellie Fowler is flying the flag for


the Commonwealth Games Wales competitors and support staff


World Travel


Holdings UK signs McAuley as MD


Former Gold Medal and Silversea boss Lisa McAuley is to join Cruise118 parent World Travel Holdings UK as managing director on October 1. McAuley (pictured) will succeed


outgoing MD Alison Earnshaw, who will continue in her role overseeing brands including Cruise 118, SixStarCruises and RiverVoyages until that time. McAuley joins from Hays Travel,


where she has been group strategy director for the past two years, having joined as a non-executive director in 2021. She has previously held a range


When I got the call, I cried – it blew my mind that we could get a contract like this


leaning into over the last few years.” Fowler noted Commonwealth


Games Wales is also partnering with Edwards Coaches for transport for the Glasgow games, which is a supplier The Travel Business “already works well with”. “For Glasgow, I will be doing all


itinerary planning and working with the team and suppliers on all logistics


Johan Lundgren returns to Tui with supervisory board role


Johan Lundgren (pictured) has returned to Tui, with the tourism giant appointing him to its supervisory board. Lundgren was deputy group chief executive from 2011 to 2015 and easyJet chief executive from 2017 until the end of 2024. He succeeds Pepijn Rijvers, who previously resigned from the board.


8 3 JULY 2025


and any other form of transport other than coaches,” she added. Commonwealth Games Wales


chief executive Rebecca Edwards- Symmons said: “The added support from The Travel Business ensures we have a truly all-Wales effort behind the scenes, helping our team arrive in Glasgow ready to compete.” The agency currently has four


staff in its office and a network of homeworkers across the UK, with Fowler planning to get “more hands on deck” to help with future Games. The host country for the 2030


Commonwealth Games has yet to be chosen but confirmed bidders include India, Canada and Nigeria.


Tipto appoints Travelpack’s Vishal Patel as chairman


Travelpack director Vishal Patel has taken on the role of Tipto chairman. He takes over from chairman Nick Hughes, who stepped down early following his appointment as director of growth for G Adventures. Patel has been a member of Tipto’s leadership team for six years and has 20-plus years’ industry experience.


of senior industry roles, including managing director of B2B tour operations for Gold Medal parent dnata Travel Europe and managing director of Silversea Cruises. She also became owner of over-50s specialist Silver Travel Advisor in 2020. Jeff Tolkin, co-chairman and


chief executive of WTH UK parent World Tavel Holdings, said: “Lisa’s extensive background in the cruise industry, along with her strategic insight and proven success, will enhance our already outstanding team.” McAuley said:


“I’m looking forward to building upon what Alison and the team have achieved.”


Fred Olsen Travel names Julie Berry as managing director


Fred Olsen Travel has appointed Julie Berry as managing director. She will replace Fred Olsen Cruise Lines chief executive Sam Stimpson, who took on the role of interim managing director following Steve Williams’ retirement. Berry’s background includes 20-plus years at Thomas Cook and six years in consulting roles outside the industry, prior to joining Fred Olsen Travel earlier this year.


travelweekly.co.uk


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