Travel Corporation sold to Apollo, ending 104-year family ownership
The Travel Corporation will be sold to Apollo, ending 104 years of family ownership, announced in July 2024. The change affects the company’s guided‑tour brands, travel agents and customers who work with TTC.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- The Travel Corporation will transfer ownership from the Tollman family to Apollo
- Timing
- Sale announced in July 2024
- Who is affected
- Travel agents, customers and employees of The Travel Corporation
The details
- Announced by
- Brett Tollman, chairman of The Travel Corporation
- Previous rule
- The Travel Corporation had been owned by the Tollman family for 104 years, marketed as a family‑run business with no outside investors.
- New rule
- Ownership will pass to Apollo following the announced sale, ending the family’s direct control of the tour operation.
Background of the Sale
For more than a century the Tollman family built The Travel Corporation (TTC) into one of the world’s largest guided‑tour operators. The company’s identity was tied to its family ownership, which it highlighted to agents and travelers as a sign of stability and personal service.
- Founded over 100 years ago, TTC includes brands such as Contiki, Trafalgar and Insight Vacations
- Family ownership was a core marketing point for the business
Reasons Behind the Transaction
In July 2024 chairman Brett Tollman announced the sale, citing the lack of a next generation to lead the business. Credit‑rating reports and UK filings also revealed that while the tour side was profitable, it was under‑funded, and the family’s luxury hotel chain, Red Carnation, was losing money and depended on cheap financing from TTC.
- No successor within the Tollman family to take over the tour business
- Financial strain on the Red Carnation hotels prompted the family to retain the hotels and divest the tour operation
Implications for Brands and Customers
The sale transfers control of TTC’s tour brands to Apollo, but the companies say existing bookings will be honoured and operations will continue under the established brand names. No immediate changes to itineraries, pricing or service standards have been announced, though future strategic decisions will rest with the new owner.
Travel agents and customers are advised to stay tuned for any updates from the individual brands as the transition proceeds.
- Current reservations remain valid and will be fulfilled by the existing TTC teams
- Future brand strategy and possible investment will be directed by Apollo
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Existing bookings with Contiki, Trafalgar or other TTC brands remain valid and will be fulfilled as scheduled
- Future tours may be operated under Apollo ownership, but no schedule changes have been announced
Cost and documents
- No new fees are introduced for travelers as a result of the ownership change
- Required travel documents and visa requirements stay the same
What you need to do
- Monitor communications from TTC brands for any service updates or policy changes
- No immediate action is needed for current reservations
Who this affects
-
Customers with TTC brand bookings
Their trips are provided by The Travel Corporation, now owned by Apollo
What to do Continue as planned and watch for any future brand communications
-
Travel agents selling TTC tours
They represent a company undergoing an ownership transition
What to do Stay informed of potential commission or policy adjustments
-
Employees of The Travel Corporation
Ownership transfer may affect employment terms and corporate structure
What to do Await internal communications regarding any changes
Frequently asked questions
Who is buying The Travel Corporation?
Apollo is acquiring The Travel Corporation, as announced by chairman Brett Tollman in July 2024.
When was the sale of The Travel Corporation announced?
The sale was announced in July 2024; the article does not specify an exact closing date.
Why is the Tollman family selling The Travel Corporation?
The chairman said there was no next generation to lead the business, and financial pressures on the family’s hotel chain also contributed to the decision.
Will my existing TTC tour booking be affected by the sale?
Existing bookings are expected to be honoured and will be fulfilled as scheduled, with no immediate changes announced.
What happens to the Tollman family’s hotel chain after the sale?
The family retained ownership of the Red Carnation hotel chain while selling the tour business to Apollo.
