Agency disruptor founded by Colombian postgrad 45 years ago joins Advantage
James ChappleA family-owned agency founded by a Colombian postgraduate student some 45 years ago and set out to disrupt the traditional package market has joined the Advantage Travel Partnership.
London-based Soliman Travel was set up by then aspiring sociologist Maria-Teresa Soliman, who "sought to turn the agency world on its head" with a focus on bespoke tours to Latin America and the Middle East that "went against the grain" of the package holiday boom at the time.
Soliman’s Egyptian art historian husband Wagdy later joined the business and today, the agency – which also has a corporate travel division and tour operating arm – also has outposts in Bogota and Cairo.
It is among only a few UK-based operators with a dedicated ground-handling operation in Egypt’s capital, said Advantage, and also operates a call centre in Bogota. Soliman and her family continue to be involved in the business today.
Director Jane Soliman said joining Advantage "was a great opportunity to be part of an exciting professional community" and to work with other members and stakeholders for mutual benefit.
Advantage chief commercial officer Kelly Cookes added: "Our membership is a community of thriving and successful travel businesses, with each member having its own colour and personality.
"The team at Soliman has a wonderful business that has very special roots and is a progressive business more than forty-five years on. We are looking forward to playing a key role in their future success."
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