Top 50 - Online - Blue Bay Travel

This year marks the agency’s 20th anniversary, growing from a business comprising a handful of people to a team of more than 150. Specialising in long-haul escapes to far-flung oases like the Caribbean and Indian Ocean, the agency widened its portfolio over the last 18 months to also include Thailand and the UAE, and is now planning to expand its offering further, delivering new destinations across Europe.

Loyal customers are enrolled into a Chairman’s Club, receiving bespoke communications and access to a dedicated Facebook page. But top service is not just reserved for VIPs – all clients are able to speak directly to advisors or via a live chat function, through which they can receive quotes and even book holidays.

Despite a tough few years for the travel industry, Blue Bay boasts a 4.9 rating out of 5 on Trustpilot, with management directly contacting any customer who leaves a review lower than four stars.

The company is also eager to ensure staff stay on top of product updates, and in 2022 Blue Bay delivered 83 bespoke training sessions to
its team, covering new destinations and resorts.

Meanwhile it refocused efforts to look after staff, with a new “Time when you need it” policy introduced, enabling employees to take time off without impacting annual leave, such as for moving house. The agency has also reduced its working week from 40 hours to 37.5, without any reduction in pay.

The team has four mental health first aiders, while all managers attended a mandatory “leading with mental health” training session in 2022.

The agency is also passionate about helping the next generation – it developed a new apprenticeship scheme which was nominated for an award at the National Apprenticeship Week Employer Awards and hosted five work experience students, while staff conducted four talks at local colleges and schools last year. 

bluebaytravel.co.uk