22 October 2009

Herbert takes Affordable Travel Group role

Former Travel Buddy marketing sales and distribution director Neil Herbert has joined The Affordable Travel Group.

He becomes UK and global partnerships director, starting next month.

Herbert will be responsible for introducing a new online B2B offering, in addition to launching a consumer online travel agency site later in the year.

There are plans for a niche online tour operation early next year.

Herbert, who also previously worked for Holiday Taxis and Holiday Extras, said: "I am very excited about being involved in this new venture.

"We already have extensive distribution of our car rental product with our sister company Affordable Car Hire through a mix of online and offline retail partners as well as tour operators and non-travel businesses.

"We now have a B2B solution that will offer a wider range of products to these partners, including transfers, cruises, villas, hotels, flights and other ancillary products.

"Affordable Car Hire already has a global presence and wide distribution and there is an opportunity for us to capitalise on this by widening the portfolio of product that we offer, not only as an online travel agent ourselves but also as a wholesaler for these and other partners."

Company managing director Angela Day said: "We are delighted that Neil is joining us. Affordable Car Hire celebrates its five year anniversary this year and although it has taken time to grow our distribution, we are now an established player in the car rental sector, with extensive distribution.

"We want to expand the range of products that we can offer our business partners but also look to grow business extensively outside of the UK market and that is the reason for the launch of The Affordable Travel Group."

by Phil Davies