Cashel Travel Group transitions to Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), securing long-term independence
Cashel Travel Group, one of the UK and Ireland’s leading Destination Management Company groups, has officially become employee-owned – marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the award-winning travel business.
Founder and CEO James Aitken said the move represents both a milestone and a message:“Cashel Travel has always been powered by its people. This structure ensures the team that built our success now shares directly in it. An Employee Ownership Trust allows us to secure long-term independence, protect jobs, and preserve the ethos that defines our business. Marta and I remain fully committed and continue to lead the company.”
He added: “Over the years, we’ve been approached several times by potential buyers, but selling to a third party was never the right choice. An Employee Ownership Trust allows us to secure the long-term future of the business, protect the jobs of our talented team, and preserve the ethos and integrity that make Cashel Travel Group what it is.”
The Cashel Travel Employee Ownership Trust, established in November 2025, transfers ownership of the group to its employees, giving them a direct stake in its continued success. Supported by Scottish Enterprise, the transition ensures the company’s independence, long-term stability, and commitment to shared prosperity.
Cashel Travel Group is made up of Cashel Travel, Great British Trips, and Alainn Tours Teoranta – together delivering outstanding travel experiences across the UK and Ireland for thousands of international visitors each year. Its key markets include North America, South America and Europe.
Under the new structure, employee representatives sit alongside trustees, ensuring that staff voices are central to key decisions. The Trust has acquired 100% of the company, and all employees with more than 12 months’ service will become beneficiaries – sharing in profits and playing an active role in the company’s direction. It is chaired by an independent trustee, Ashley Jones, who is well known in the travel industry.
Gordon Rigby, Financial and Trust Director, described the move as a defining moment: “Becoming employee-owned is about ownership in every sense, responsibility, pride, and opportunity. It’s about rewarding the people who make Cashel Travel what it is and ensuring our success benefits everyone involved. The leadership team remains unchanged, and we continue to move forward with the same energy, creativity, and ambition that have always defined Cashel Travel Group.”
Cashel Travel Group joins a growing movement of UK and Irish companies adopting the Employee Ownership Trust model, made famous by the John Lewis Partnership. The group believes this approach will drive innovation, strengthen client relationships, and deepen employee engagement.
Since its founding in 2001, Cashel Travel Group has grown into one of the UK and Ireland’s most respected DMCs (Destination Management Company), with offices in Edinburgh, Sligo in the west of Ireland, and London. The Group employs 70 full-time staff and achieves annual revenues exceeding £14 million, with profits of over £1 million.
About James Aitken and Marta Kucharczyk
James Aitken has worked in the travel industry since the 1980s and has founded and managed several successful inbound tour operations. He established Cashel Travel in 2001 alongside his partner Marta Kucharczyk, growing it into one of the most trusted and creative Destination Management Companies in the UK and Ireland.
A respected industry leader, James served as Chairman of UKinbound from 2019 to 2024, guiding the organisation through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. He also sits on the boards of several other travel and tourism businesses.
James remains CEO of Cashel Travel Group, continuing to lead the company with the same entrepreneurial drive, innovation, and commitment to people that have defined his career.
Marta remains a director of the Cashel Travel Group.
About Cashel Travel Group
Cashel Travel Group is a leading Destination Management Company providing tailor-made travel services across the UK and Ireland. The Group includes Cashel Travel, Great British Trips, and Alainn Tours Teoranta, known for creativity, reliability, and personal service.
It was awarded a Silver Green Tourism Award in 2024 and Tour Operator / DMC of the Year 2025 by UKinbound.
Cashel Travel celebrated its 25th anniversary in February 2026. It arranges travel for tour operators, conference organisers, and incentive travel visiting the UK and Ireland. It has an expert and passionate team based across the country with offices in Edinburgh, Sligo, and London. The Group delivers exceptional travel experiences for international visitors and continues to champion innovation and excellence in the travel industry.
The Group continues to see strong demand from North American and European tour operators, incentive houses and conference organisers, and plans further investment in technology and talent as part of its next growth phase.
