Discover the story behind Audley Travel: From its humble beginnings to a global success

Audley Travel: The Story of a Global Travel Company

In the idyllic rural village of Stratton Audley, nestled in the heart of Oxfordshire, a travel company with a vision was born. Audley Travel, as it came to be known, started its journey in the late 1990s with a simple website and a passion for creating unforgettable travel experiences. Today, it has become a global leader in the industry, offering tailor-made trips to destinations all over the world.

The inception of Audley Travel came at a time when the internet was still in its infancy, but the founders saw the potential it held for the travel industry. They recognized the need for a platform that would allow travelers to plan their trips at their own pace, with the guidance and expertise of experienced travel specialists.

The first step was to create a website that would showcase the destinations and itineraries Audley Travel had to offer. South America was one of the first regions to be added, marking a significant milestone in the company’s expansion. However, this expansion called for a name change, and thus, Audley Travel was born, taking inspiration from the village where the office was based.

With a focus on personalized service, Audley Travel quickly gained a reputation for its attention to detail and customer satisfaction. The company’s travel specialists, known as Country Specialists, are experts in their respective regions, ensuring that every trip is carefully crafted to suit the individual preferences and interests of each traveler.

As Audley Travel continued to grow, so did its management team. Nick Longman took the helm as Chief Executive Officer, bringing with him a wealth of experience in the travel industry. Daniel Robb joined as the Chief Marketing Officer, responsible for driving the company’s marketing strategy and ensuring its message reached the right audience. Jacqui Lewis, the President and Managing Director of North America, played a crucial role in expanding Audley Travel’s presence in the American market.

But it wasn’t just the management team that contributed to Audley Travel’s success. The company’s success can also be attributed to its dedicated team of travel specialists, who work tirelessly to create unique and memorable experiences for their clients. Their expertise and passion for travel shine through in every itinerary they create, ensuring that each trip is truly one-of-a-kind.

With a reputation for excellence, Audley Travel has garnered numerous accolades over the years. It has been recognized as the Best Tour Operator at the Telegraph Travel Awards and has received the Feefo Gold Trusted Service Award for consistently delivering exceptional customer service.

Today, Audley Travel continues to expand its reach, offering trips to destinations across six continents. From the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru to the vibrant wildlife of the Serengeti in Tanzania, Audley Travel allows travelers to explore the world on their terms.

Audley Travel’s journey from a small village in Oxfordshire to a global travel company is a testament to its commitment to personalized service and creating unforgettable travel experiences. With a dedicated team of travel specialists and a passion for exploration, Audley Travel continues to inspire and delight travelers around the world.

What Is The History Of Audley Travel?

Audley Travel has a unique and interesting history that dates back to its inception in the late 1990s. It all began when founders Craig Burkinshaw and John Brewer decided to create a personalized travel company that would cater to the specific needs and interests of individual travelers. They wanted to move away from the cookie-cutter approach of traditional tour operators and offer tailor-made trips that truly reflected the desires and preferences of their clients.

In 1996, Craig and John established their first website, which initially focused on offering travel experiences in Southeast Asia. However, as the company grew and expanded, they soon realized the potential of offering trips to other regions of the world. In 1997, Audley Travel added South America to its list of destinations, marking an important milestone in the company’s development.

Around this time, Audley Travel was based in the picturesque village of Stratton Audley in Oxfordshire, England. Inspired by the village’s name and its connection to the company’s beginnings, Craig and John decided to rename their venture as “Audley Travel.” This rebranding reflected their commitment to providing personalized and unique travel experiences.

Over the years, Audley Travel continued to expand its range of destinations, adding new countries and regions based on customer demand and the team’s own passion for exploration. Today, Audley offers trips to all seven continents, with a focus on creating customized itineraries that showcase the hidden gems and local experiences of each destination.

Audley Travel’s success can be attributed to its unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction and its team of destination specialists who possess in-depth knowledge and expertise in their respective regions. This commitment to personalized service has earned Audley numerous awards and accolades, solidifying its reputation as a leading luxury travel operator.

Audley Travel’s history is one of growth, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of providing exceptional travel experiences. From its humble beginnings in a small village in Oxfordshire to becoming a global player in the travel industry, Audley Travel continues to set itself apart by offering tailor-made journeys that create lasting memories for its clients.

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Who Is The Executive Team Of Audley Travel?

The executive team of Audley Travel consists of three key individuals who hold important positions within the company. These individuals are:

1. Nick Longman – Chief Executive Officer (CEO): Nick Longman is the CEO of Audley Travel. As the highest-ranking executive in the company, he is responsible for overseeing all operations and strategic decision-making. He plays a crucial role in setting the company’s vision and ensuring its overall success.

2. Daniel Robb – Chief Marketing Officer (CMO): Daniel Robb serves as the CMO of Audley Travel. In this role, he is responsible for developing and implementing the company’s marketing strategies. He plays a vital role in promoting the Audley Travel brand and attracting customers through various marketing channels.

3. Jacqui Lewis – President and Managing Director, North America: Jacqui Lewis holds the position of President and Managing Director, North America, at Audley Travel. She is responsible for overseeing the company’s operations and growth in the North American market. Her role involves leading a team and ensuring the delivery of exceptional travel experiences to Audley Travel’s clients in this region.

This executive team brings a wealth of experience and expertise to Audley Travel, ensuring the company’s continued success in the travel industry.

Who Is The Managing Director Of Audley Travel?

The managing director of Audley Travel in the United Kingdom is Mark Hanson. With a wealth of experience in the travel industry, Mark leads the operations and strategic direction of Audley Travel in the UK market. As the managing director, he is responsible for overseeing the company’s growth, managing key partnerships, and ensuring the delivery of exceptional travel experiences for Audley’s clients.

Mark Hanson brings a strong background in leadership and travel to his role at Audley. His expertise in the industry allows him to guide the company in providing personalized, tailor-made travel experiences to discerning travelers. With his in-depth knowledge of destinations and his commitment to customer satisfaction, Mark plays a vital role in shaping Audley Travel’s reputation as a leading luxury travel provider.

Under Mark’s leadership, Audley Travel continues to innovate and adapt to the ever-changing travel landscape. He and his team work closely with a network of travel specialists and industry partners to create unique, immersive itineraries that cater to individual preferences and interests. By combining expert knowledge, exceptional service, and a passion for travel, Mark ensures that Audley Travel remains at the forefront of the luxury travel industry.

Mark Hanson serves as the managing director of Audley Travel in the United Kingdom, overseeing the company’s operations, growth, and commitment to delivering exceptional travel experiences. With his extensive experience and dedication to customer satisfaction, Mark plays a crucial role in maintaining Audley Travel’s reputation as a leading luxury travel provider.

Conclusion

Audley Travel has established itself as a leading travel company with a rich history and a commitment to providing personalized and tailor-made experiences for its customers. From its humble beginnings in a rural Oxfordshire village, Audley Travel has expanded its offerings to include destinations all over the world, with South America being a significant addition to its portfolio.

The management team at Audley Travel, led by CEO Nick Longman, CMO Daniel Robb, and President and Managing Director, North America Jacqui Lewis, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. Their leadership has played a crucial role in the company’s growth and success.

Audley Travel’s dedication to creating unique and immersive travel experiences is evident in its approach to customer service. The company strives to understand the individual needs and preferences of each traveler, allowing them to craft personalized itineraries that match their interests and desires.

With a focus on quality, authenticity, and sustainability, Audley Travel ensures that its customers have access to the best accommodations, transportation, and guides. The company also works closely with local communities and conservation initiatives to promote responsible tourism and minimize the impact on the environment.

Furthermore, Audley Travel’s strong online presence and user-friendly website make it easy for travelers to research and plan their dream vacations. The company’s commitment to technology and innovation has enabled it to stay at the forefront of the travel industry, offering customers a seamless and hassle-free booking experience.

Audley Travel has proven itself as a trusted and reliable travel partner, delivering exceptional service and unforgettable journeys for its customers. Whether you’re dreaming of exploring the vibrant cities of South America or embarking on a safari in Africa, Audley Travel is well-equipped to turn your travel dreams into reality.

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Ilona

Ilona is an experienced travel counselor who loves everything about Africa! She studied Tourism and Hospitality Management at Middle Tennessee State University, and now lives in Nashville. With 15 years of experience under her belt, Ilona is well-equipped to plan your perfect African adventure.