Trafalgar Tours
| Private | |
| Industry | Travel and Leisure |
Key people | Gavin Tollman, Global CEO |
Number of employees | 1001-5000 |
| Parent | The Travel Corporation |
| Website | http://www.trafalgar.com |
Trafalgar Tours is a travel company that provides guided holidays to over 200 destinations worldwide. The company is owned by The Travel Corporation which has been in business since 1947. Trafalgar has offices in Australia, Canada, China, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, the UK and the USA and operates guided tours across six continents. Trafalgar specializes in providing local experts and guides and offers a variety of package options for individuals, couples, groups and families.
Tollman family
The Travel Corporation, which has been trading for over fifty years, was founded by the current chairman, Stanley Tollman. The company is wholly owned by members of the Tollman family, and four generations of Tollmans are currently actively involved with the business. In 2010, Gavin Tollman, Stanley Tollman's nephew, was appointed as the new global Chief Executive Officer of Trafalgar. Gavin Tollman has worked with Trafalgar since 1997. He served as the company's global head of sales between 2003 and 2010 after working as the President for Trafalgar Tours from 1997. Prior to joining Trafalgar Gavin held the position of Executive Vice President of the Buckhead Hotel Management Company in the United States.
Tourism
In 1972, over 4,000 Canadians used Trafalgar's services in international locations. At the time, it was owned by British company Simpsons Travel Service.[1] In the same year, over 40,000 Australians and New Zealanders used the company's services.[2] From the start of the company in 1947 until its 65th birthday in 2012, Trafalgar has served over 2 million customers worldwide. Trafalgar offers a variety of tourism packages.[3] "First Class packages" include first class hotels, VIP entry into attractions and luxury transport. "Leisure packages" cater to travelers who enjoy a combination of guided excursions and the freedom to sleep in and explore the areas independently. Trafalgar also offers "Family Experiences" packages catered to the needs of families with children.
Travel community
A community area is available on Trafalgar’s website offering members the opportunity to interact with fellow travelers by joining groups, contributing to forums and creating travel blogs and galleries. Members are able to connect with their trip groups or read about the experiences of members on similar trips. Discussion forums cover a variety of destinations and experiences as well as travel advice and information on travel technology.
Industry awards
Trafalgar won Best International Tour Operator in the Australian National Tourism Industry Association 2012 awards. In 2011, US travel agents and industry professionals voted Trafalgar Best International Tour Operator for the fifth year running, and in the same year, Canadian travel agents voted Trafalgar Best Motor Coach Tour Operator in the Agent Choice Awards for the tenth consecutive year. Previous awards include Luxury Travel Magazine's Gold List “Best Travel Professionals” Category in 2010 and “Best Tour Operator” Category in 2005. In 2004, Trafalgar was voted as "Favourite Tour Operator" by readers of the Sydney Morning Herald and Melbourne Age.
Sustainability and the environment
Trafalgar is a founding member of TreadRight, a non-profit organization founded in 2008 with The Travel Corporation.[4] The organization has thus far spent over $1.5 million on providing assistance to underprivileged communities and developing sustainable travel. In conjunction with TreadRight, Trafalgar supports the United Kingdom's National Trust, an organization devoted to preserving areas in the United Kingdom. TreadRight is active in conservation in Brazil, restoration in Venice and Italy and the Mesoamerican Reef area.