Agency holds taster UK events before Italy tour


Juliet Dennis


A travel agency is arranging events in the UK to create excitement among clients booked on the first exclusive group tour escorted by its own staff. ArrangeMY Escape is to host 24


clients on the tour with trade-only operator Magari Tours to Lombardy, Italy, in May 2026. It will be the first time the agency has filled a trip with its own clients. ArrangeMY Escape has already


booked most of the passengers and hopes to fill the remaining spaces at its forthcoming holiday fair in Worcester on April 5. General manager Jennifer Lynch


has organised additional pre-tour events – an Italian wine tasting and a welcome meal – so clients can get to know each other ahead of the trip. The events are taking place at


a local wine shop and an Italian restaurant in Worcester and will be hosted by Lynch, who is being accompanied on the trip by two staff. “I am hoping these events will


create excitement for the trip,” she said, adding: “This is our way of thanking clients, as well as building anticipation. Hopefully they will all get on well.” The agency has arranged


I remember saying


‘I don’t know if it will sell out’, but we’re nearly full already


transport for the group to Heathrow airport for the six-night trip, which costs £2,400, including the UK pre-trip events. Lynch said she had been nervous


about filling the tour. “I remember saying to the team, ‘I don’t know if it will sell out so we’ll give ourselves until October’, but we’re nearly full already,” she said. It is Magari Tours’ inaugural


trip in partnership with an agency


InteleTravel confirms takeover of fourth company in two years


InteleTravel has confirmed the acquisition of Tickitto, a UK-based platform that provides tickets to global live events including Premier League football matches, Formula One races and concerts. Chief executive James Ferrara said the deal would “offer more value to our customers and increase profits for our advisors”. It is InteleTravel’s fourth acquisition in two years.


8 27 MARCH 2025 Lake Iseo,


Lombardy Italy. Inset: Jennifer Lynch


since it launched at the start of 2024. The brand has confirmed plans for a further exclusive departure with another agency. Tony Flanagan, sales and product


director at Magari Tours, said: “I wanted to partner with Jennifer because I was inspired by her and her team’s commitment to excellence. She understood the essence of Magari and felt the immersive nature and local artisan experiences of our tours would capture the imagination of her clients. “Offering agents the opportunity


not only to introduce Magari to their clients, but also to experience it with them on their own departure, will strengthen trust between the client and agent. It’s a win-win.”


Tui Group in talks for two new-build ships for Marella


Tui Group is considering plans for two new- build ships for UK cruise arm Marella Cruises. The disclosure came as part of a capital markets day update by the group, which said: “We are in discussions with shipyards and are considering ordering two vessels based on a design customised for the UK market.”


Haslemere Travel ‘reaps rewards’ of ditching brochures


A travel agency that ditched brochure displays 20 years ago says it is reaping the benefits of increased client interaction. Haslemere Travel in Surrey


replaced brochure racks with travel artefacts following a revamp of its high street shop in 2005. Owner Gemma Antrobus


said the 36-year-old business has not looked back since, with staff imparting more of their own knowledge, as well as using YouTube videos from hoteliers to help sell tailor-made itineraries. She said: “Removing brochures


in 2005 was a bold decision. As a result, we have observed higher booking values, increased client loyalty, and, in most cases, a near- guaranteed booking. “It has transformed our


approach to business, bringing us closer to a consultancy-driven model. By eliminating brochures, we ensure clients engage with us during their office visits. The vast majority of what we sell is based on where we have been.” Haslemere Travel keeps some


brochure copies on file, but most of its clients are used to the way the business works. “Even our


customers who like cruises don’t want brochures – they just want to book,” she said.


Gemma Antrobus


Intrepid Travel profits rise to £22.4m after record year in 2024


Intrepid Travel’s profits rose by almost a quarter year on year following a record performance in 2024. The increase of earnings before interest and taxes (Ebitda) of 24% to £22.4 million came on the back of a 17% rise in revenue to £327 million. The results led to the operator paying £6.7 million in bonuses to eligible employees in the form of cash and shares. Intrepid had about 555 staff shareholders in 2024.


travelweekly.co.uk


PICTURE: Andrew Mayovskyy


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