26-year-old takes reins at Isle of Man agency


Andrew McQuarrie


Mann Link Travel owner Brian Kelly believes his son has become one of the industry’s youngest chief executives after being appointed to the role aged 26. The company, which is based on


the Isle of Man, operates as a tour operator as well as a leisure, business and online travel agency. Brian, who set up the business


in 1982, has promoted his son Jordan Kelly to chief executive as part of a succession plan. “I’m taking the chairman’s role


and hopefully leaving a very good business for Jordan and the team to develop and expand,” he said. Jordan’s two siblings also work in the business, with 29-year-old Hollie Kelly employed in the accounts department and Anna Kelly, 25, based in the leisure shop in Douglas. Brian said the company,


which also operates in Jersey and Guernsey, has been profitable every year of its existence, apart from two during the pandemic. He appointed Jordan as chief


executive in the belief that his son can expand the business, with Brian set to retire in the next two to three years. Jordan joined the company in 2014 and gained experience in


every department before being appointed to the board in 2018 as online travel director. “Jordan has been on the


board for five years, so he has a clear understanding as to the make-up of the business and how it’s structured,” said Brian. “He’s probably one of the


youngest chief executives in the industry but also probably one of the most experienced because he understands in great detail each of the sectors and the differences in how they operate on a day-to-day basis.” Jordan told Travel Weekly he is eager to develop the company


McLeod to chair USAirtours’ nine-strong travel agency panel


Ken McLeod, former Advantage Partnership director and past president of the Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association, will chair USAirtours’ new travel agency panel. Nine agency managers and homeworkers will advise the trade-only operator on its product range, website, marketing initiatives, training, documentation and customer service.


8 19 OCTOBER 2023


Brian Kelly (left) and Jordan Kelly


further, adding: “That’s the fun side – and I think we’re in a position now where we’re able to do it.” While business travel


is becoming an increasingly important area for the company, Mann Link Travel sells a broad mix of holidays. Brian said: “We’re lucky that,


because of our locations, the type of business we transact is high-value. “It’s not unusual for somebody


to walk in once a week and book a £30,000, £40,000 or £50,000 holiday – and we get the odd £100,000-plus holiday. But we get everything else as well.”


MSC boosts agent network by 10% in four months


MSC Cruises has increased its number of agent partners by 10% in the past four months, following a concerted campaign. It is now targeting a 15% rise


in the first quarter of 2024, according to the line’s UK and Ireland managing director. Antonio Paradiso spoke to


Travel Weekly on board MSC Euribia, as the vessel prepared for the first departure of its maiden season from Southampton. “We’ve seen a huge growth in


[partners from] Barrhead, Hays, Midcounties and Advantage,” he said. “These are the ones we’ve been heavily investing in over the past few months.” MSC Euribia and MSC Virtuosa


are both sailing from Southampton this month, helping the line secure a record winter for UK bookings. “Agents asked for more capacity


from Southampton in the winter, so it’s great to see they’re behind this – it’s a win-win,” said Paradiso. He added that ship visits for


MSC Euribia had started this month, with slots fully booked until Christmas. Several travel businesses


have also expressed interest in holding conferences and events on board the ship. Not Just Travel kicked off a


seven-day training event on MSC Euribiaon October 13.


Fred Olsen Cruise Lines names Stimpson as chief executive


Fred Olsen Cruise Lines has appointed Samantha Stimpson as chief executive. She will take up the role at the company’s head office in Ipswich by February 1, with current managing director Peter Deer becoming chief financial officer. Stimpson has held roles at Tui, Thomas Cook and, most recently, FTI Touristik.


Wild Frontiers appoints


Tobin as managing director Adventure operator Wild Frontiers has appointed Clare Tobin as managing director to help drive growth. Jonny Bealby, founder and former chief executive, has become executive chairman. Tobin has held several board positions at First Choice/ Tui, having managed brands including Hayes & Jarvis, Austravel and Sovereign Holidays. She was also chief executive of Olympic Holidays.


travelweekly.co.uk


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