talkholiday
 | |
| Public | |
| Industry | Travel services |
| Founded | November 2013 |
| Founder | Chris Newlands |
| Headquarters | Glasgow, Scotland |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people |
|
| Services | leisure or business trip planning; destination and event reviews; hotel, holiday, activity and car hire booking; crisis support |
| Website |
www |
talkholiday is an online travel and events-themed social networking service, aiming to provide a 'one-stop shop' for fellow-travellers to plan and book their trip. The website provides a platform for members, who are planning to go to the same destination or event, to meet each other online before they travel.
talkholiday also provides a discounted booking for service including: hotels; holidays; activities; and car hire. Should they lose their passport, mobile phone or bags while they are away, members can access the site's 'crisis support' service.
Based in Glasgow, Scotland, talkholiday was launched at the World Travel Market, London, in 2013.
History
talkholiday was founded by Scottish entrepreneur Chris Newlands, aiming to provide a 'one-stop shop' for fellow-travellers to plan and book their trip.[1] Newlands set up the site after his stepson found himself unable to link up with like-minded travellers prior to a trip to Ibiza.[1] Based in Glasgow city centre, the service was launched at the World Travel Market, London in November 2013.[2] Operated by Talk Holiday Ltd, talkholiday opened to members in 2014.[2][3]
According to Newlands, talkholiday's 'crisis support' feature came from "a nightmare holiday in Egypt when my wife became ill and my phone was stolen and I was desperately trying to contact the UK for help".[4]
Amanda Wills, former managing director of Virgin Holidays and the first woman appointed to the board at Airtours PLC, joined the board in April 2015.[5] Wills, who has been described by Richard Branson as "a legend within the travel industry", is based in London.[6]
Products and services
The talkholiday website provides a platform for members to interact with other users planning to go to the same destination or event.[4][5] Members can rate cities, resorts and hotels, allowing them to share information, photographs and experiences and to meet online or in person, if they choose.[2]
talkholiday provides a discounted booking service for hotels, holidays, activities and car hire.[2] The site also provides members with 'crisis support', including help following the loss of their passport, mobile phone or bags while they are away.[4][5] Membership is free.[7]
References
- 1 2 Cameron, Greig (20 January 2015). "Holiday themed social network aiming big". Herald Scotland. Newsquest. Retrieved 21 August 2015.
- 1 2 3 4 Tweedie, Katrina (7 October 2014). "How social networks are helping savvy travellers make the best choices". Scotland Now. Daily Record. Retrieved 21 August 2015.
- ↑ "Terms". talkholiday. 2014. Retrieved 21 August 2015.
- 1 2 3 "Travel social network Talkholiday reveals safety features". Travelution. 20 January 2015. Retrieved 21 August 2015.
- 1 2 3 "Now you’re talking! Former Head of Virgin Holidays joins talkholiday". Glasgow Chamber of Commerce. 2015. Retrieved 21 August 2015.
- ↑ Murden, Terry (3 April 2015). "Wills to help expand talkholiday brand". Daily Business Group. Retrieved 21 August 2015.
- ↑ "Explore, discover & share". talkholiday. 2015. Retrieved 21 August 2015.