Manchester Evening News

Programme propels travel firm’s growth

ITC OPERATES AT THE TOP END OF THE LUXURY TRAVEL MARKET WITH THE AVERAGE SPEND OF A SINGLE HOLIDAY STANDING AT £15,000

- By SHELINA BEGUM shelina.begum@men-news.co.uk @ShelinaBeg­um_

THE Inspiring Travel Company, which featured in the BBC documentar­y The Millionair­es’ Holiday Club providing a behind-thescenes look into the world of luxury travel, is celebratin­g jump in profits and revenues.

Cheshire-based ITC Travel said the show significan­tly raised the firm’s profile and helped it to achieve revenue of £92m in the year to April 2017 – up from £81m the previous year.

Profits also grew to £4.3m from £3.9m over the same period.

The company was backed by NorthEdge Capital in August last year.

The mid-market private equity firm acquired a majority stake and backed the management team which is led by Jennifer Atkinson.

The company said much of its growth was down to an increase in repeat bookings from high-networth customers.

ITC, which was set up in 1974, operates at the top end of the luxury travel market with the average spend of a single holiday standing at £15,000.

This year, the firm’s largest booking was over £300,000.

CEO Jennifer said: “We have developed a strong and loyal customer base who repeatedly turn to us to create experience­s in some of the world’s most exclusive destinatio­ns.

“Much of the growth has been down to the hard work of our travel specialist­s who have the passion and enthusiasm to make sure that every client’s holiday is the best it can possibly be.

“Partnering with NorthEdge has enabled us to remain focussed on our core business strategy of providing luxury holidays. “The firm’s ongoing support will be invaluable as we look to identify further strategic acquisitio­ns and explore new markets including ski holidays and luxury villas. I am confident that the year ahead will be just as strong and we’re excited about further growth.” Phil Frame, investment director at NorthEdge Capital and non-executive director at the Inspiring Travel Company, added: “Jen and the rest of the management team have done a fantastic job in carving out a niche at the top end of the luxury travel market. “The business has performed well despite uncertaint­y surroundin­g Brexit and poor exchange rates, so we look forward to strengthen­ing the offer further,”

Much of the hard work has been down to the hard work of our travel specialist­s Jennifer Atkinson, CEO, ITC Travel

 ??  ?? Jennifer Atkinson, CEO of ITC Travel
Jennifer Atkinson, CEO of ITC Travel

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