Small groups operator says growth is good after revenue overall is up 20% on last year
Edinburgh-based Rabbie’s has achieved record sales in the first part of 2019, which it says is down to a boom in clients from long-haul destinations and increased numbers of UK customers.
The small groups tour operator saw the number of customers from countries around the world increase during the first three months of the year. Canadian clients rose 27%, while Australia (+17%) and USA (+15%) were also big success stories, it says.
Robin Worsnop, Rabbie’s CEO and founder, says: “Our revenue overall is up 20% on the same period last year, which is good growth. We’ve increased our capacity and marketing to attract more customers from our long-haul markets and this is reaping rewards.”
“Visitors from further afield are much more likely to stay in the UK for a longer period, which means they want to explore. Our small group tours of between one and 17 days offer a really immersive experience with expert guides. We’re also very excited about the launch of new tours from Manchester and Aberdeen in May this year.”
A diverse selection of tours have performed well, with the three-day Leeds Castle, White Cliffs and Flavours of Kent tour up 240% year-on-year. The Oxford and Cotswolds day tour has seen a 145% increase in passengers, while the firm’s whisky-themed tours around Scotland were up 21%. London based tours rose 94% and Inverness based business is up 45%.
Another area of success has been Rabbie’s strengthening relationship with travel agents. Business through retailers is up 27% compared to last year.
