FRONTLINE
prepared to pursue my entrepreneurial dreams. Owning my brand and controlling my database were priorities. I discovered Holiday Franchise Company offered unique selling points that aligned with my requirements. I was impressed by their attentive approach – they take the time to understand your needs and see the relationship as a mutual investment. I admired their consultative approach, without traditional sales tactics. It’s so important to have a resource for bouncing ideas, receiving advice and accessing support. Our mutual goal is the growth and success of my business. Marvellous Escapes specialises in tailor-made and multi- destination rail holidays. With my background in river cruising, transitioning to rail felt natural as there are many similar aspects – the journey is part of the experience.
Q. How has the business grown? PAUL TAVENER The founder of Marvellous
Escapes tells Samantha Mayling how his specialist rail agency is on track for growth
Q. How did you start in travel? I began aged 18 with Fast Track Holidays and joined the Nile cruise team, which proved to be an invaluable experience. Fast Track Holidays was acquired by Virgin Holidays and rebranded as Virgin Holidays Cruises. I joined Virgin Holidays as senior sales manager for the cruise call centre. Then I led the sales and air operations team at Viking Cruises UK for eight years.
Q. What other skills do you have? Between 2018 and 2020, I completed an executive MBA, while balancing a full-time job and family responsibilities, which enhanced my overall business acumen. During Covid, I transitioned into the company formation and fintech sectors, with head of sales and operations roles. Working with smaller businesses allowed me a hands-on role, shaping strategy and operations. This proved extremely valuable when I launched my business.
Q. Why did you set up Marvellous Escapes in 2022? For years, I had wanted greater control over my future. After my MBA and experience outside travel, I felt
travelweekly.co.uk
Since launch, we’ve made almost £3 million in sales. We’re fully remote, with flexible working hours. I’ve worked in the past with everyone that I employ. Last year, I hired two full-time travel designers and a part- time operations coordinator. A comprehensive benefits package includes unlimited holiday and private medical insurance, so our team feels valued and supported. I’m focused on expanding to a stage where we can attract external investment to fuel our growth. Referrals are steadily growing as more clients embark on holidays.
Q. What trends are you seeing? A rise in round-trip rail bookings, because clients are increasingly willing to extend holidays by an extra day or two. Demand for 2025 bookings, particularly Switzerland and luxury journeys, is notably high. The lates market appears to be slower but we anticipate a surge in demand as the year progresses. Clients are increasingly value-conscious amid the cost-of-living crisis, and most have a set budget in mind. The beauty of tailor-made packages means we can adjust and refine the itinerary to accommodate the client’s financial constraints.
Q. What sort of holidays and fam trips do you take? I take several trips a year to gain insights. Recently, I enjoyed a rail journey to Cologne to attend the World of Hans Zimmer concert. I’ve booked another rail holiday for October to Vienna – my first sleeper train experience. I believe in the value of fam trips, so I’ve introduced a unique benefit at Marvellous Escapes: each year, we cover the costs for staff to take a companion. They gain valuable knowledge and enjoy quality time with someone significant. Team members have enjoyed rail holidays to Switzerland this year. Recently, we introduced a blog series titled Marvellous Memories, featuring client trip reports transformed into blogs, to assist others considering a similar holiday – and to emphasise the Marvellous Escapes experience. We’ve arranged some remarkable itineraries, such as a 35-day rail tour across Italy – what started as a simple holiday evolved into an extensive journey covering numerous destinations.
WHY ARE RAIL HOLIDAYS BECOMING MORE POPULAR?
People are seeking more experiences beyond
traditional holidays. The draw of arriving in the heart of a
city, strolling to your hotel and immersing in the culture before embarking on a leisurely, scenic journey to the next destination appeals to many. Some of the world’s most stunning landscapes unfold from train windows. Scenic routes such as the Glacier Express and GoldenPass Express in Switzerland; Flamsbana, Norway; and Rocky Mountaineer,
North America, are among the most sought-after. The opportunity to relax, travel slowly and enjoy breathtaking views adds to the appeal. As clients become increasingly aware of more sustainable options, rail offers the perfect alternative for those wanting to fly less, or not at all.
There’s a wealth of luxury options available on iconic trains such as the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express,
Rovos Rail (South Africa) and Maharajas’ Express (India), which cater to clients seeking a higher-end experience. Business is booming.
Paul gets set to alight
27 JUNE 2024 29
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