Coach tour wholesaler Norman Allen Group Travel has been purchased by group tourism specialist Albatross Group after Managing Director Paul Mallon (pictured, second from left) and Financial Director Sarah Hunter (pictured, centre) each sold their shareholdings.
The change in ownership will have no impact on the day-to-day running of either Norman Allen or fellow coach wholesaling business Albatross Travel as part of Albatross Group.
Albatross Group says that bringing the two businesses together “makes logical sense for the coach tourism industry” and that Norman Allen Group Travel will continue as an independent brand.
Mr Mallon and Ms Hunter will remain involved during a transitional period. Albatross Travel Managing Director Denise Bridges (pictured, second from right) will assume the same responsibility for Norman Allen Group Travel.
The latter Hereford-based business was founded in 1972 by Norman Allen. Mr Mallon and Ms Hunter completed a management buyout in 2016 and since then the wholesaler has continued to flourish. Strong staff loyalty is credited as one of the reasons for that.
Albatross Travel celebrates 40 years in 2025. It is one of six brands within the Albatross Group, which operates over 2,100 tours annually in the UK and continental Europe.
Ms Bridges says that the deal means “the future looks bright for the group coach tours industry,” noting that “there are many synergies between the two companies, and it makes sense to be combining our skills and expertise.”
Adds Mr Mallon: “Albatross Travel and Norman Allen Group Travel have always had the utmost mutual respect. We have shared values and put our teams at the centre of what we do.
“This agreement is a great fit and, having clocked up over 50 years’ service between us, Sarah and I feel that now is the right time to pass on the reigns to a trusted organisation like Albatross that understands the business of coach tourism.
“We plan to be with Norman Allen Group Travel throughout the coming months before taking a long summer break. Our clients can be assured that Norman Allen Group Travel’s experienced teams look forward to providing them with many more years of dedicated service and the overall message is one of ‘business as usual’.”
