Travelbag purchased by Stella Travel Services
Australian-owned Stella Travel Services UK has announced the acquisition of long-haul specialist Travelbag in a deal believed to be worth over £7 million.
As part of the deal, Stella will acquire eight high street travel agency branches in London, Solihull, Cheltenham, Winchester, Knutsford, Nottingham, Alton and Brighton.
Stella already owns 83 Harvey World Travel shops in the UK.
Travelbag’s managing director Rick Weber will continue in his role, along with the existing management team.
But the central management team and administrative departments will be moving from the existing offices to Stella offices in north London.
In addition, Travelbag employs approximately 200 administrative and retail staff.
Weber said: “There is no doubt that one of our biggest assets is our staff, many of whom have been with us for a long time. They are all knowledgeable, well travelled people and know the destinations they are selling, which has significantly contributed to making Travelbag a successful business.
“I know that everyone at Travelbag is excited about being part of Stella Travel Services (UK) and is looking forward to working with the management team to develop the business for the future.”
Travelbag was previously part of Orbitz Worldwide, a division of Travelport Ltd.
Steve Barnhart, CEO and president of Orbitz Worldwide, said: “Travelbag is a wonderful business, with experienced management and employees, which is more aligned with the Stella Travel Services’ business model.
“With this sale, Orbitz Worldwide can focus on its core competencies as a leading online travel provider that will innovate for our customers in the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific.”
Andrew Laurie, managing director for Stella Travel Services (UK), said: “We are looking forward to growing the UK business and building Travelbag’s position in the market.
“The travel companies within our group specialise in long haul ‘big ticket’ destinations, especially Australia and New Zealand and the acquisition of Travelbag with its high profile retail presence will provide an opportunity for us to further develop the business.
By Bev Fearis
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 
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026