Loch Lomond Travel, a new venture by McGill’s Group and led by Chris Bond, aims to transform the coach holiday landscape in the UK.
- The company is gearing up to work with agents to expand its reach across the UK, highlighting a commitment to inclusivity in travel experiences.
- Delivery of 25 new coaches is imminent, complementing the extensive fleet of McGill’s sister companies.
- A newly launched website and a forthcoming brochure aim to showcase premier tours like the North Coast 500 and the iconic Jacobite Train journey.
- The company is spearheaded by an experienced team, capitalising on emerging opportunities post-pandemic.
Announced by McGill’s Group, Loch Lomond Travel represents a fresh initiative in the coach holiday sector, helmed by Chris Bond, formerly associated with prominent travel firms such as Tartan Travel and Barrhead Travel. The company seeks to enhance UK travel by partnering with agents to widen access to various destinations and attractions.
The core strategy involves collaboration with travel agents, aiming to make holidays accessible to a broader audience. With an impending fleet of 25 new coaches supported by the extensive resources of its sister companies within McGill’s Group, the company promises robust operational capability.
Loch Lomond Travel is keen on providing memorable experiences through its tours, such as the North Coast 500 and the renowned Jacobite Train journey, cheerfully known as ‘The Greatest Railway Journey in the World’. The firm has launched a modern website and a 2024 brochure to attract a diverse clientele, offering a glimpse of its planned premium experiences.
Leading the charge, Chris Bond brings a wealth of experience to the role of managing director, having played pivotal roles in various capacities across Tartan Travel and Caledonian Travel. His leadership focuses on forming strategic partnerships with top-tier hotels and sought-after destinations, aligning with traveller preferences.
Under the ownership of Sandy and James Easdale, known for their strategic acquisitions like Xplore Dundee, McGill’s Group bolsters its position in long-distance travel through collaborations with companies such as FlixBus. Their Bright Bus Tours service also highlights recent expansions in Edinburgh.
According to McGill’s chief executive, Ralph Roberts, the team, under Bond’s leadership, is well-equipped to address the preferences of UK holidaymakers in the post-pandemic era. He notes that the difficulties faced during the pandemic have uncovered new opportunities ripe for exploration.
Loch Lomond Travel is poised to carve a niche in the UK coach holiday market with its innovative approach.
