Former farmer launches travel website
Lancashire-based farmer Shaun Hyde has swapped his wellington boots for the internet as he launches the first online search and booking system for sheep transportation.
Having struggled with ever increasing costs, EU red tape and concerns over animal welfare, Hyde took inspiration from the dotcom boom of recent years.
Launched to the farming community earlier this week, www.ewetravel.com provides a one-stop-shop where livestock owners can search travel options and book online.
"Essentially, it is a travel agency for sheep,” said Hyde.
“The red-tape surrounding transportation via air or sea is a complete nightmare and I just thought there had to be an easier way, with everything in one place. We even have an advanced online booking system and a ‘review’ system. Feedback from the farming community so far has been extremely positive.
“Affordable travel is becoming a problem and I’m fed up of dealing with lots of different companies who provide woolly information and who don’t seem to care how the animals travel.
“Transporting sheep by air has been even more challenging – airports need the facilities to accommodate them. People might say why do I bother? The sheep don’t care – but I’m telling you now they do.“
A staunch believer in maintaining the highest standards for his traveling flock, Hyde is keen to see BAA’s Heathrow animal reception centre expanded.
"It serves its purpose as it stands, but sheep don’t like the waiting bit before a flight, just like you and I. I’d like to see the reception become more of a departures lounge.”
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive
Euromonitor International unveils world’s top 100 city destinations for 2025