East of England Co-op claims eco-pod ‘first’
Juliet Dennis
East of England Co-op Travel has opened a sustainable ‘eco-pod’ agency as it looks to expand to 20 stores in the next five years. The branch in Brightlingsea,
Essex, is thought to be the first sustainable travel agency structure of its kind in the UK. It is made of sustainable timber
and 80% recycled aluminium, has solar panels and an air-source heat pump, and aims to be carbon negative and to cut electricity bills. The 55-square-metre pod is
airtight to prevent drafts and can operate off-grid, with mains power backup, to reduce CO2 emissions. The 15-branch agency worked
on the project with local company Podular Systems, which specialises in building modular, sustainable units. The Brightlingsea branch was
previously based in the town’s East of England Co-op food store, which closed last year. The site is now leased to Sainsbury’s, which has agreed the agency can operate in its car park. There is no rent to pay as the land is owned by Co-op. The £125,000 pod, built and
installed in 10 days, opened on December 23 with the same four agency staff. It features an outward-
facing digital display, which could in future be sponsored by travel companies. It also has water butts to collect rainwater for the plants surrounding the agency. Head of travel Caroline Thorne
said feedback from customers and staff had been positive. She described the move as a
long-term investment, noting: “We are trying to be as sustainable as we can and reduce our costs. From an efficiency point of view, for heating and electricity it is costing us less money to run it.” Podular Systems business
development manager Mollie Hurcombe said: “As far as we know,
Andy Freeth returns to travel
as MD of Travcorp Holdings Experienced industry executive Andy Freeth is to return to the trade as group managing director of Travcorp Holdings, the parent company of Destination2, Destination2Cruise and HolidayGems. The company said he would take full control of the businesses “over a period of months”. Freeth left his last role, as chief executive of Classic Collection Holidays, in March 2024.
8 30 JANUARY 2025 East of England Co-op
Travel’s eco-pod agency in Brightlingsea, Essex
this is the first of its kind. It’s the first large commercial property we’ve built, so we threw everything at it. It’s definitely possible for pods this size to be self-sufficient.” Thorne said the group may
consider further eco-pods as it expands. “We’re always looking for sites but with this concept we could go on forecourts, car parks or the sides of buildings. It could be a real winner. “I’d like to get up towards 20
branches. If I could get another four or five in the next five years that would please me.” The group last opened a branch in
its food store in Woodbridge, Suffolk, in May 2024.
Delta Air Lines’ Nadia Clinton to leave US carrier after 30 years
Delta Air Lines regional sales manager Nadia Clinton is to step down after almost 30 years with the US carrier. Clinton has worked for Delta since November 1995, joining as UK and Ireland country manager and becoming regional sales manager in 2019. She leaves on January 31.
Riviera to boost trade activity and host 300 agents
Riviera Travel wants to build on the “remarkable success” of last year’s trade activity by hosting more than 300 agents at events in 2025. The river cruise and escorted
tour specialist, which welcomed 100 agents in 2024, is this year planning a mega-fam to Sri Lanka, a fam trip to South Africa, a Rhine cruise to Switzerland and visits to Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta and the Matterhorn. The company will also invite
the trade to experience new ships Riviera Radiance and Riviera Rose and host agents at the Clia
Conference in Southampton in May. Fam trip groups will range from
10-20 people, and places will be offered via competitions run on the Riviera Explorer e-learning platform and via other channels. Vicky Billing, head of trade and
partnerships, said: “Recognising the significant revenue boost these trips delivered in 2024, Riviera Travel is committed to providing even more opportunities for travel agents to experience our exceptional product first-hand. “We believe that by immersing
agents in the unique experiences we offer, they can better understand and convey the value of our itineraries to clients.” Riviera Travel will also host
conferences and sponsor a number of agent events this year.
Contiki chief leaves amid TTC Tour Brands ‘strategic review’
Contiki chief executive Adam Armstrong has stepped down from his role, which he took up in July 2020. TTC Tour Brands, parent of the youth travel operator, said: “The portfolio is undertaking a strategic review.” The company added: “During this transition, Melissa DaSilva, currently serving as interim chief executive of TTC Tour Brands, will ensure strong leadership and continuity.”
travelweekly.co.uk
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