This year, at Southampton Cruise Centre, we are thrilled to mark the 65th anniversary of our family-owned business, the Travel Village Group. Over four generations, we have evolved significantly, yet our core values remain unchanged: a friendly approach, award-winning customer service, and treating our clients like an extension of our family. We want to celebrate this significant milestone with you, our valued customers.
Our Anniversary Gift To You!
What could be better than the gift of travel? We know that a trip away is different for everyone, so we want to make sure that you can use your gift from us in any way you wish.
For every booking that you make between 5 July 2024 to 30 September 2024, your details will be entered into a draw to Win A £650 Travel Voucher.
This could be used against your next cruise, beach holiday, city break, escorted tour, or even campervan hire for a self-drive adventure, when booked through the Travel Village Group.
Our Origin Story
The story of the Travel Village Group begins with Eric Capey Bourne, who served in the Reconnaissance Corps during World War II. This specialised unit of the British Army, later integrated into the Royal Armoured Corps, provided vital reconnaissance for infantry divisions. In 1942, while serving abroad, Eric married Lena Elizabeth Podmore.
After being medically discharged in 1946, Eric embarked on a remarkable journey of entrepreneurship, fueled by family support. With a loan from relatives, Eric purchased a post office in Blackpool, which soon began offering holiday packages. His wife, Lena, played a crucial role, managing the family home and working full-time at the post office.
Through The Generations
Eric and Lena’s dedication laid the foundation for a business that would grow and thrive in Blackpool. Their children, Carol and Dennis, were eventually brought into the family enterprise, which continues to operate on Highfield Road. Today, the Travel Village Group stands as a testament to Eric’s vision and the unwavering commitment to customer service and entrepreneurial spirit that began in 1959.
When Eric and Lena retired, their children Carol and Dennis took over the business. Dennis continued to manage the Post Office, which relocated further up Highfield Road, while Carol and her husband Peter expanded Bourne Travel. Today, our Travel Village shop and headquarters still operate on Highfield Road, with Phil’s cousins, Susan (Dennis’ daughter) and Carole Anne (Peter’s niece), actively involved in the family business.
In 1983, Carol welcomed her son Phil into the business straight out of high school at 16. Phil’s passion for travel was ignited by the many weekends he spent diligently stamping brochures for the travel agency, setting the stage for his future in the family enterprise.
Phil, our CEO, has been the owner of the business since 2002, and here he is with, business director and wife, Paula to tell you more!
Regardless of how long you’ve been booking your holidays with us at Southampton Cruise Centre, or through any of our Travel Village Group brands, we would like to thank you for your business and support.
Thank you for making your journey part of our journey.
Prize draw terms & conditions