Caledonian Leisure hails agents as 2022 turnover topped £40m

Coach holiday operator Caledonian Leisure has hailed support from agents as it reported turnover of more than £40 million for 2022, its first full year of trading.

The company, which operates under the Caledonian Travel and UKBreakaways brands, said it is also on course for “further significant growth” for 2023.

Since it launched in June 2021, it has taken 600,000 customer bookings and now employs 90 members of staff.

Martin Lock, commercial director, said: “The travel trade has played a pivotal role in our success to date, and we would like to thank our network of agents who have helped us deliver our award-winning service and experience to customers.

“We’ve forged some excellent partnerships with agents who have seen the benefit of dealing with such a forward-thinking and responsive business.

“Our multi-channel campaigns have seen 2024 bookings surge ahead by over 30% on last year with an encouraging blend of both repeat and new customers.

“This has been supported by investment in the latest customer data analytics software which will enable us to target continued growth in both our traditional and new experience-driven markets.”

More: Caledonian Travel adds five coaches to fleet

Graham Rogers, managing director, added: “We have been delighted with the fantastic growth of the business over the last two years and will now look to build further upon these results as we continue to develop our programmes, channels and partnerships.

“Particularly, whilst the economic climate is impacting upon household budgets, we recognise the ongoing need to deliver great value and outstanding service to our growing customer base.”

To support its programme of short breaks and holidays by coach, it has opened five regional travel centres in key departure locations – Glasgow, Gateshead, Middlesbrough, Hull and Wakefield – and has plans to further expand its network in the coming months.

Its UKBreakaways brand, which specialises in hotel breaks, has also expanded its programme of entertainment experiences.

Since the launch of the business, customers’ money has gone into a trust account and is only released to the company when the customers return from their holiday.

It also joined the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust (Abtot) in December 2022.

David McDonald, finance director, added: “We are delighted with the robust progress of the business, and our model of profitable growth has enabled us to commit to investments whilst not compromising on clients’ financial security.

“Alongside our ‘Gold Standard’ trust protection we are also delighted to have joined Abtot in order to provide still further security through financial bonding.”