Wayne Perks takes the helm of Ramble Worldwide, pledging to enhance partnerships with travel agents and expand the company’s reach.
- Set to begin his new role on September 9, Perks aims to boost sales by engaging a wider range of travel agents.
- Increasing interest in ‘slow’ and responsible travel will be key to Ramble Worldwide’s future strategies under Perks’ leadership.
- Perks succeeds Kevin O’Regan, bringing over 25 years of diverse experience within the UK travel industry.
- Perks plans to capture the interest of Generation X and younger consumers through innovative hiking travel experiences.
Wayne Perks has been appointed managing director of Ramble Worldwide, a walking holiday specialist. With an official start date of September 9, he will lead efforts to fortify collaborations with travel agents, with the overarching aim of driving sales growth through broadened distribution strategies and re-engagement initiatives.
Perks, an experienced professional in the UK travel industry, brings over a quarter century of expertise, having previously worked with prestigious names such as British Airways, Thomas Cook, and Virgin Holidays. His recent role as chief operating officer at EFR Travel involved guiding the company through its post-pandemic recovery, a testament to his adept leadership and strategic foresight.
He replaces Kevin O’Regan, who steps down after a 35-year career, to explore personal travel ventures. O’Regan’s contributions, particularly his navigation of Ramble Worldwide through the pandemic and back to profitability, are notable accomplishments during his six-year tenure. His efforts in company rebranding have poised the business well for future growth.
Under Perks’ direction, the company is poised to embrace the growing trend of ‘slow’ and sustainable travel, appealing to Generation X and younger demographics. The promotion of hiking holidays, aimed at offering immersive travel experiences that connect participants deeply with the landscapes and communities visited, forms a core part of this strategic vision.
The recent rebranding is expected to challenge traditional perceptions of hiking holidays, seeking to engage a new audience eager for enriched travel experiences. Perks emphasises the importance of these experiences, not only in terms of profitability but also for their potential to impart physical and mental benefits and contribute positively to the preservation of visited sites.
Perks expresses his enthusiasm for the role, alongside an eagerness to engage with agents ready to explore the burgeoning hiking market. He invites potential trade partners to collaborate in leveraging this expanding segment, envisioning substantial growth opportunities that align with a purpose-driven business model. O’Regan shared his confidence in Perks’ capability to advance the company’s mission, reflecting on the rewarding journey he experienced while leading the company.
With Wayne Perks at the helm, Ramble Worldwide is set for a transformative phase, aligning business goals with sustainable travel trends and broader audience engagement.
