Major Travel sets sights on 50% UK revenue growth and overseas expansion.
- The company plans to increase its UK revenue by 50% in 2025.
- Expansion into Ireland and the US is on the horizon for Major Travel.
- Staff numbers are set to rise from 75 to over 100 by early 2025.
- A revitalisation of the cruise and safari sectors is key to growth.
Major Travel, a tour operator focusing on tailor-made travel, is gearing up for significant expansion. After achieving 35% growth in UK revenue this year, the company now targets a 50% year-on-year increase by 2025. The strategy includes expanding into new markets in Ireland and the United States, alongside efforts to grow its existing UK operations.
The plan involves bolstering staff numbers from the current 75 to over 100 in early 2025. This ramp-up is to meet anticipated demand in key sectors like cruises and safaris. After a hiatus due to the pandemic, the company is relaunching its cruise arm, expecting it to greatly contribute to their growth.
An interesting development is the appointment of the first Europe product manager. This comes as demand has surged for European destinations such as Italy, Spain, and Greece, achieving a 60% increase in this sector with minimal effort. Managing director Qasim Gulamhusein emphasised this surge as a driver for appointing the new role to focus on the continent’s potential.
The expansion strategy not only focuses on new markets but also reinforces existing UK partnerships. Major Travel is committed to maintaining and enhancing its relationships with UK-based agents—including key players like Hays Travel and Travel Counsellors—alongside leveraging InteleTravel’s network.
Since its inception under Gulamhusein and Miqdaad Versi in 2017, Major Travel has pivoted from long-haul flight sales to focus on luxury tailor-made packages, with an impressive average booking value of £7,000. The collapse of Thomas Cook in 2019 proved beneficial for staffing, allowing the company to absorb experienced talent to support its growth.
Gulamhusein noted that the Irish Travel Agents Association conference highlighted Ireland as a testing ground for future non-UK expansions, especially in the US market. This strategic foresight aims to position Major Travel as a leader in tailor-made travel offerings, with both organic growth and potential acquisitions on the horizon.
Major Travel is determined to capitalise on growth opportunities in both the UK and international markets, focusing on innovation and strategic partnerships.
