The long-established tour operator and wholesaler joins a stable of well-known brands including Albatross Travel and Success Tours.
Based in Hereford, Norman Allen Group Travel has been popular with group travel organisers and coach operators for many years, having established itself in 1972. It now joins the Albatross Group which already includes a number of popular and successful brands.
NAGT managing director, Paul Mallon and financial director, Sarah Hunter, have sold their shares in the company but will remain for a period to ensure a smooth transition.
The announcement says the change in ownership will have no impact on the day-to-day running of either NAGT or Albatross Travel and that it remains business as usual with both brands remaining independent under the Group’s ownership. Any group bookings with either company will go ahead as scheduled.
“Customers of Norman Allen Group Travel can rest assured that they will continue with the high levels of customer service that they have become renowned for and that the future looks bright for the group coach tours industry.”
Denise Bridges
Denise Bridges will assume responsibility for NAGT as managing director while maintaining her position as managing director of Albatross Travel.
She said: “We were delighted when discussions with Paul and Sarah developed about a long-term future that would eventually bring the two businesses together under a single umbrella with a shared ambition.
“Norman Allen Group Travel are extremely professional, are well thought of within the industry and highly valued by their clients and staff. There are many synergies between the two companies, and it makes sense to be combining our skills and expertise.
“Customers of Norman Allen Group Travel can rest assured that they will continue with the high levels of customer service that they have become renowned for and that the future looks bright for the group coach tours industry.”
Paul Mallon, managing director of Norman Allen Group Travel, said: “Albatross Travel and Norman Allen Group Travel have always had the utmost mutual respect. We have shared values and put our teams at the centre of what we do. This agreement is a great fit and, having clocked up over 50 years’ service between us, Sarah and I feel now is the right time to pass on the reigns to a trusted organisation like Albatross, that understands the business of coach tourism.
“We want to extend our deepest gratitude to our talented colleagues for their exceptional service and loyalty. We plan to be with NAGT throughout the coming months before taking a long summer break.
“Our clients can be assured that NAGT’s experienced teams look forward to providing them with many more years of dedicated service and the overriding message is one of business as usual.”
NAGT began in the early 70s as a family-run business, at a time when group travel from Britain was very much in its infancy. Today the company provides British, Irish, European, and Worldwide tours by coach and air. It was a finalist in the Best Coach or Tour Operator - UK Tours category at the 2024 Group Leisure & Travel Awards.
For more information, go to www.albatrossgroup.com or the Norman Allen website at group-travel.com.
