TIPTO Welcomes Back Nick Hughes as Chairman

Tour operator support group TIPTO – which operates across the UK and Northern Ireland – has welcomed back Nick Hughes as chairman.

Mr Hughes will take over from current Chair Richard Forde at the beginning of September, and he will steer the trade association into its 26^th year.

Mr Hughes has previously been a TIPTO supplier member and previously spent 3 years as chairman.

Mr Hughes said: “My previous stint as Chairman has always felt like unfinished business given that the period was dominated by COVID and my role, working closely with Spirit Marketing & Events, was to ensure the organisation could continue in its best form. Taking the TIPTO baton now gives me the opportunity to support our members in a positive environment, when the industry is thriving, as well as ensure the organisation continues to offer the best-in-class training and engagement for its agent partners.

“I have been involved with TIPTO since the age of 24, completing my first ever roadshow for Holiday Autos in Year 2, so hold a close affinity with the organisation and have witnessed its evolution over the years to become the powerhouse that it is today. It’s truly an honour to Chair once more and it comes with huge thanks to Richard Forde for handing over the reins after what has been a successful couple of years re-building the organisation and a fabulous 25^th anniversary celebration.”

Mr Hughes’ appointment comes after current Chair Richard Forde’s decision to step down following a successful two-year tenure.

Mr Forde said: “I’m delighted to be handing the TIPTO reins over to Nick, he is hugely respected within the industry and of course knows TIPTO inside out. Nick’s proven track record with TIPTO, his work ethic and his undeniably supportive nature will without a doubt take the association on to greater things for Year 26 and beyond.”

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as Chair, it’s a challenge that has taught me so much and I know TIPTO will continue its upwards trajectory as an important resource for the industry.”

TIPTO is currently in its 25^th year of operation with 25 members including: Abercrombie & Kent / Cox & Kings, Ambassador Cruise Line, Blue Diamond Resorts, Carnival Cruise Line, Celestyal Cruises, CroisiEurope, Do Something Different, DriveAway, Fred.\ Holidays, Gold Medal, Holiday Extras, Inghams / Santa’s Lapland, Intrepid, JG Travel Group, Leger Shearings Group, Newmarket Holidays, Playa Hotels & Resorts, RCD Hotels, Red Sea Holidays, Scenic & Emerald Cruises, Titan, Travelpack, USAirtours, Virgin Voyages and Yalago.