Specialist educational travel company, Next Generation Travel (NGT), has strengthened its executive board by bringing Maria Whiteman, currently MD of Saga Holidays, onboard as managing director designate
The firm, which is headquartered in Blackpool and has several sites throughout the south of England, has appointed Maria to steer the rapidly growing business towards achieving its vision of becoming the UK’s number one educational travel group by 2023. Current MD, Deborah Beckett, will continue to head-up strategic projects and acquisitions
Maria brings over 15 years’ board experience working within the travel industry adding to NGT’s heritage of over 100 years’ sector expertise. Following a series of recent acquisitions, the company now employs over 100 people and arranges educational visits for over 75,000 passengers each year.
Established in 2010, Next Generation Travel includes the WST Travel, FHT Travel, Anglia Tours, Study Experiences, Sport Experiences and Remembrance Travel brands. The innovative parent company is the driving force behind six of the UK’s fastest growing educational travel brands and offers immersive tours to young people from 10 – 21 years, which are designed to offer unique and empowering learning experiences outside of the classroom.
Speaking of the appointment, Deborah Beckett, said: “Maria will help us on our journey to becoming the UK’s top educational travel group. Our reputation for providing high levels of customer experience and curriculum-focussed tours will be in safe hands. Bringing in outside experience adds to the breadth of experience in our boardroom and allows us to divert more energy into the acquisition process, which is a key part of our vision.”
