On the Beach confirms 107 job losses Robin Murray


On the Beach has confirmed 107 employees have been made redundant following a formal consultation process to “automate and streamline operational processes”. The figure suggests more than 20% of the company’s headcount has been affected, with the group’s last annual report showing it employed 505 staff as of September 30, 2025. The online travel agent launched


the 45-day consultation on March 26, warning at the time that technology-driven efficiencies meant roles across the business were at risk. A spokesperson for On the Beach


confirmed on August 6 that the consultation had concluded, with 107 positions made redundant. The business added that no staff were redeployed into alternative roles within the company. The spokesperson said:


“Following the consultation process, 107 roles have been made redundant. Investment in technology has enabled us to automate and streamline a number of processes. “These changes were made to


drive operational efficiencies, deliver a better experience for customers and support our future growth.” The redundancy process follows a


period of strategic change for the group. In September 2025, On the Beach


River lines praised as water levels hit ‘exceptional lows’


Ella Sagar


Agents have praised river cruise operators for their handling of “record low water levels” across heatwave-hit European waterways. Several of the continent’s busiest


rivers, including the Rhine, Danube and Po, have reached “exceptionally low levels” in recent weeks, with German shipping association BDB warning the Rhine is on the verge of being “split in two” on a key stretch, making it “no longer navigable”. Operators have altered or


cancelled sailings and offered compensation, ship swaps, coach transfers and complimentary shore excursions.


4 13 AUGUST 2026 Travel Village Group chief


executive Phil Nuttall said the situation was “unprecedented” with “no sign of relenting” but added operators were “doing everything they possibly can” for customers and crew. Nuttall said the agency was


due to host a group on a Rhine and Moselle cruise on August 15 but was forced to cancel. Travel Counsellors head of cruise


Janet Whittingham said suppliers had been “totally professional in their approach” with impacted clients. “They have set up the strategy


and teams to deal with this,” she said. “It’s on a larger scale this year as it’s over a longer period than normal.” Advantage Travel Partnership


director of cruise Jonny Peat said operators had been “incredibly responsive” in keeping members “closely updated” on affected bookings. He said: “It’s a great example


of members and supplier partners working together with the end- customer firmly front of mind.” Operators said communication


and flexibility were “essential” in these conditions. Chris Townson, Uniworld


Boutique River Cruises UK and Ireland managing director, said the situation was “a challenge for the wider industry”, adding: “Addressing this will require


closer collaboration between cruise lines and river authorities, along with continued investment in flexible itinerary planning.” Oliver Tillson, cruise sales


manager for A-Rosa, said the increasing frequency of low water periods “highlighted the need” to “accelerate the modernisation and climate adaptation” of waterway infrastructure. Riviera Travel product director


Will Sarson said river cruising remained “an incredibly resilient product” and the industry would continue to work with partners to “adapt to changing conditions”.


travelweekly.co.uk Investment in


technology has enabled us to automate and streamline a number of processes


announced the closure of its Classic Collection B2B arm to focus on core B2C activities, a move that was met with sadness by the trade. Speaking when the consultation


was initiated in March, chief executive Shaun Morton said investment in technology meant several processes could be automated, putting roles at risk. The push towards automation


forms one of four primary strategic pillars outlined in the group’s annual report – alongside customer retention, expanding holiday choice, and trust – as it targets operational leverage across its tech platform. Despite reporting a temporary


downturn in demand earlier in the year following the outbreak of conflict in Iran, On the Beach has maintained its medium-term financial targets of £85 million in pre-tax profit and total transaction value (TTV) of £2.5 billion, alongside strong growth in direct app bookings. The business posted its current


record TTV for the year to last September, recording sales of £1.25 billion, up 11% year on year.


The Danube in Budapest on July 26


PICTURE: Shutterstock/csikiphoto


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