Top Travel Companies Recognized in Sunday Times’ 2025 Best Places to Work
Travel Counsellors, easyJet holidays, and Panache Cruises are proud to be featured in the Sunday Times’ 2025 list of the best places to work in the UK. This recognition underscores the vibrant culture and employee-centric practices within these organizations.
Notable Mentions in the Travel Sector
Alongside the aforementioned companies, other travel firms making the cut include loveholidays, Holiday Extras, Travelperk, and The Turquoise Holiday Company. Each of these businesses has been acknowledged for its commitment to employee satisfaction and well-being.
Acknowledgments and Achievements
Victoria Wilson, the Chief People Officer at Travel Counsellors, expressed immense pride in receiving this accolade for the third consecutive year. “Our recognition illustrates that our company culture is something we live and protect every day,” she stated.
Insights from easyJet Holidays
Garry Wilson, CEO of easyJet holidays, echoed similar sentiments, stating, “This recognition is a true testament to the passion, dedication, and commitment of our brilliant team.” He highlighted the inclusive culture at easyJet, which has fostered engagement and belonging among its employees.
Focus on Employee Development
Loveholidays’ Chief People Officer, Rick Kershaw, noted that their success is largely due to feedback from their team. “Our efforts around learning and development, recognition, and well-being are making an impact,” he said, emphasizing the significance of professional growth in the workplace.
Unique Employee Benefits
Travel Counsellors lead the way with commendable benefits for their 442 employees, including global immersion trips, free events, and a hybrid work model. Employees also enjoy various perks such as “Moments that Matter” days, free massages, and discounted holidays.
Educational Opportunities and Culture
Panache Cruises has gained accolades for its apprenticeship program and extensive employee benefits, while the company’s Chorley office provides healthy lunches and flexible working policies. On the other hand, Holiday Extras emphasizes career development and community-focused initiatives that cultivate mental and physical wellness among its 610 employees.
Emphasizing Work-Life Balance
Travelperk takes it a step further with its work-from-anywhere policy and paid sabbaticals, allowing employees to truly enjoy flexibility in their professional lives. Likewise, The Turquoise Holiday Company not only offers exotic travel opportunities but also promotes a nurturing culture through its educational travel program.
The Best Travel Companies to Work for in the UK: 2025 Edition
The Sunday Times has unveiled its prestigious 2025 list of the best places to work in the UK, highlighting several outstanding travel companies. Among the notable entries are well-known names including Travel Counsellors, easyJet holidays, and Panache Cruises, each lauded for their exceptional workplace culture and employee engagement strategies.
In addition to these prominent firms, the list also features loveholidays, Holiday Extras, Travelperk, and The Turquoise Holiday Company. These businesses are setting new standards in the travel industry by prioritizing employee satisfaction and promoting a positive work environment.
Celebrating Workplace Culture
Victoria Wilson, Chief People Officer at Travel Counsellors, expressed immense pride in the company’s recognition for the third consecutive year. She emphasized how the company’s well-defined culture is not merely discussed but actively lived and safeguarded daily. This commitment to creating a vibrant workplace fosters an environment where employees feel valued and engaged.
In the ‘large company’ category, Travel Counsellors, easyJet holidays, loveholidays, Holiday Extras, and Travelperk stood out. Conversely, Panache Cruises and The Turquoise Holiday Company were celebrated in the ‘small company’ category. This distinction showcases the breadth of excellence across different company sizes in the travel sector.
Employee Benefits and Opportunities
easyJet holidays has been recognized not only for its inclusive culture but also for various innovative employee programs. Chief Executive Garry Wilson highlighted the company’s AccelerateHER initiative, aimed at fostering female talent, and a graduate scheme designed for emerging professionals. With essential family-friendly policies, private healthcare, and dedicated quiet spaces at its headquarters, easyJet holidays continues to enhance employee welfare.
Not to be outdone, Holiday Extras in Hythe, Kent, emphasizes the impact of its 610 employees by fostering systemic wellbeing and sustainability. The company encourages long-term growth through mentorship programs and recognizes employee contributions through various awards. The focus on community and mental health resources reflects a holistic approach to employee satisfaction.
Innovative Work Policies
Loveholidays offers unique learning and development options, investing in the career trajectories of its 423 employees. The company supports individualized learning budgets and flexible work arrangements, enabling staff to work remotely or even from abroad for two weeks a year—all while enjoying discounted holiday packages.
Travelperk, a trailblazer in international business travel, encourages a work-from-anywhere policy, allowing employees to work abroad for up to 20 days a year. Alongside a generous sabbatical plan and comprehensive health benefits, this company demonstrates a commitment to work-life balance that resonates well with its workforce.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Travel Employees
As the travel industry evolves, the recognition from the Sunday Times solidifies the importance of cultivating a positive workplace. Whether it’s through innovative benefits, supportive policies, or engaging growth opportunities, the featured companies are paving the way for a brighter future for their employees. This relentless commitment to nurturing talent and fostering a vibrant culture sets these travel giants apart as exemplary models in the realm of employment.
