Tour Operations

My role: To ensure the delivery of our tour programme, from contracting of hotels and writing of itineraries through to operational running of our programme.

My experience: Having graduated with a Travel & Tourism Management degree I began my career with the UK Holiday Group back in 1999 working in the Operations Department. Having moved to Yorkshire for a number of years, while staying in the industry, I returned to the UK Holiday Group in 2008 as Product Development Management and then, for the last 6 years as Head of Tour Operations.

My favourite UK holiday destination: For me its Northumberland and the North East. From the isolated beaches and embattled castles to the people and the passion. I was lucky enough to spend many summer holidays in the region as a child (my Mum is a Geordie!) and studied up there too and so the region is very dear to me. What is not to love about the North East?

My role: As Operations Manager for the UK Holiday Group I manage the busy (and always cheerful) operations team. In addition to the everyday logistics of five coach holiday brands, I liaise with coach operators, drivers and tour managers and plan routes and schedules amongst many other things. The job is ever-changing as we always have a new challenge to conquer when life presents the unexpected and unforeseen! Whatever comes up, we ensure that passengers are always our priority and do all we can to make sure they suffer no inconvenience to their holiday. It’s a very rewarding role to know that you make the difference between a good holiday and a great holiday.

My experience: After leaving school, I embarked on a career in air, sea and land freight. I started as a trainee shipping clerk and over a period of 25 years I rose through the ranks to become Operations and Special Projects Manager. During this time I organised shipments from the smallest of oil rig pipe fittings through to the transportation of Claas combine harvesters. As a child I always had an interest in geography and so it was an ideal career for me. However times change and the opportunity to join the UK Holiday Group came along and in September 2009, I joined as Coaching Controller. This gave me the chance to become involved in moving people as opposed the previous 25 years moving packages!

My favourite UK holiday destination: Outside of work I enjoy travelling. In the UK I have always enjoyed visiting both cities and countryside alike. However if I had to plump for one of each, my favourite city is London and for scenery the Forest of Dean takes some beating.

My role: It gives me a lot of pleasure to be in the role of the Coaching Controller for the UK Holiday Group overseeing Grand UK Holidays, SunriseDirect, Just for Groups! and Palmer Holiday’s coaching requirements. I enjoy liaising with our various suppliers striving to assign the vehicles of the highest possible standard to our tours, whilst at the same time increasing the amount these vehicles operate in our own livery. This role also involves helping our customers before, during and after their holiday, it is extremely rewarding to be able to assist and receive great feedback too.

My experience: After starting my working life for DWP my journey within the UK Holiday Group started within the Reservations department and after a short period I moved to the Operations department. My first role within Tour Operations was general administration with my key role preparing the tour packs and dealing with the paperwork. I later progressed onto the role of Taxi/Minibus Co-Ordinator before I progressed to my current role as Coaching Controller.

My favourite UK holiday destination: The Lake District; I'm very much at home with walking especially walks that end up at a nice village pub that does good food!

My role: My role has grown over the years and as such I deal with a variety of responsibilities across all 5 brands under the UKHG umbrella. A big part of this is looking after our group of Tour Managers who are based all over the UK and Ireland so as well as allocating their work throughout the year, I produce all tour paperwork, sort pick-up points and process their wages. I also collate information to put together tour itineraries for our Scottish & Yorkshire brands, information packs for drivers, tour managers, Good Companion hosts and interchange controllers across the board, as well as assist with the smooth running of a busy department where we are available 24/7, 365 days a year including bank holidays and the festive period to deal with client phone calls and general enquiries be it prior to a tours departure or during the tour itself.

My experience: Having spent over 20 years working various supervisor and management positions in the road transport arm of the logistics sector, I decided to use my skills in a different industry and joined The UK Holiday Group in 2015 as a member of the Operations Department.

My favourite UK holiday destination: For me I love Wales and in particular Cardiff. The bay area offers much to see and do with boat trips across to Penarth as well as many eateries and buildings of historic significance like the Norwegian Church, Pierhead Building and the unique Millennium Centre to explore. The city centre boasts a majestic castle and a retail district directly opposite where the St David’s shopping centre is woven across both sides of the parallel streets. For sports fans, Cardiff also boasts Sophia Gardens cricket ground, where Glamorgan CCC play and the Principality Stadium, home of the Wales rugby team so for me I never get bored whenever I visit.

My role: Working as a member of the Operations Department, I contribute to the smooth running of our tours across all five of our brands, primarily routing and timing both Glenton and Palmer tours as well as arranging door to door transfers for our clients in the central Scotland, North East England and Yorkshire regions. In addition to this, I also work with my colleagues on a 24/7, 365 day basis ensuring that we are always available to our clients and Tour Managers to assist with any queries they may have.

My experience: Having finished my education, I started work for what was at the time the UK’s largest book wholesaler in the Warehousing & Distribution Department, working my way to a position of Warehouse Manager where I gained a wealth of knowledge in logistics management. From here, I moved into the transport sector working for a haulage and distribution company with responsibility for route planning, order fulfilment and distribution. I then moved into international freight forwarding utilising my previous knowledge and developing and learning about customs tariffs and associated documentation across a large number of products and sectors.

Deciding to change direction, I then moved into the tourism sector swapping the movement of freight for the even greater challenge of people…….hopefully using my logistical and geographical knowledge to provide our clients with the best experience possible whilst on tour!

My favourite UK holiday destination: For me this has to be Largs and the North Ayrshire coast, stunning views across the Firth of Clyde to the Isle of Cumbrae, Arran and the coast of Argyll & Bute. Childhood memories of trips to Nardini’s world famous art deco ice cream parlour overlooking the sea and the warm sunny evenings of late spring and early summer.

My role: I work within a tight knit and hard working team, the Operations department. I control the Taxi & Minibus bookings to try and ensure our clients get the best possible experience. I am always looking to improve the transport infrastructure. I also help with the administration duties.

My experience: I worked within the logistics and transport sector for 27 years, working my way up to Warehouse and Transport Manager. I decided to progress my career and take on a new challenge. My wealth of knowledge gained from routing vehicles has certainly helped me develop my role within the company. I am always on hand to help clients with any questions they have concerning their holiday. Possibly one of the best job career changes I have made!

My favourite UK holiday destination: Durham / Northumberland the rugged coastline and landscapes are a joy. The people are so friendly, warm and welcoming. Durham Cathedral and the City itself is one my favourite places as well as Newcastle. Beamish and Lindisfarne are a must if you are in the area. Its history with the mining and steel industry is a big interest of mine.

My role: I book entrance tickets for customers on our tours, as well as trains, flights, ferries, and any other forms of transport involved! I also inform venues of numbers for the visits and sending out tickets.

My experience: I have been at UK Holiday Group since December 2001 when I started as a Christmas Tour Manager. I then supported the busy office and moved into Operations. Previous to working here worked for many years in Distribution Department of Colman’s of Norwich arranging deliveries of Robinsons Soft drinks and Colman’s products around the country and then for a Road Haulage company.

My favourite UK holiday destination: I’ve always enjoyed visiting the Isle of Wight having holidayed there for many years. It’s a timeless place to visit and reminds me of traditional family holidays.