our history
Specialist Holidays Group brings together a rich heritage of specialist travel brands, each with decades of experience in their markets. From iconic Italian journeys to long-haul adventures and sun-soaked beach escapes, our story is one of strategic growth, deep destination knowledge, and an unwavering focus on customer experience.
2016
2016
Destination2 was formally launched under its new ATOL, specialising in the UAE, Far East, Indian Ocean and the Caribbean.
The Holding Company, Travcrop Holdings Ltd is incorporated
2017
2017
Group Financial Milestone of £43M turnover achieved.
July 2017
Tony Carty invests in Travcorp Holdings and joins the business
2018
January 2018
Andrew Botterill invest in Travcorp Holdings and joins the business.
The company acquires it’s second building in Chester which forms part of the groups Head Office
Strategic focus sharpens on commercial control, differentiated specialist product, and technology enablement
2018
March 2018
Matt Appleby joins as Product Director
Mark Lawton joins as Group CFO
2019
2019
Group Financial Milestone of £82M turnover achieved
2021
2021
Destination2Cruise launched. Cruise & stay specialist, targeting high-margin twin and multi-centre cruise holidays
BGF invested alongside existing shareholders to provide growth capital, enabling the business to pursue strategic M&A and scale its specialist positioning across the travel sector.
2025
January 2025
Andy Freeth joins as Group CEO. Focus on growth roadmap to include specialist acquisitions.
2025
July 2025
Specialist Holiday Group (SHG) acquisition from Travelopia Holdings Ltd
In July 2025 Specialist Holiday Group (SHG) was acquired from Travelopia Holdings Ltd, comprising brands including American Holidays, Citalia & Sovereign.
American Holidays – North America and theme park specialist (Republic of Ireland)
Citalia – Italian travel specialist
Sovereign Luxury Travel – luxury beach holiday specialist
2025
November 2025
Stuart Hammonds joined as CTO to lead the integration of all brands onto a single technology platform, enabling scalable, long-term growth.
2026
June 2026
Travcorp Holdings renamed Specialist Holidays Group (SHG).
One group. Same brands. Clearer identity