James Coughlan: Travel Department 30th anniversary celebrations at event in National Concert Hall

James Coughlan, CEO of Travel Department, told the 30th anniversary celebrations for Travel Department at the National Concert Hall in Dublin that 1996 represented a transformational year in the travel sector. He noted the establishment of Ryanair’s low-cost model based on Southwest Airlines, which drove growth in the short-haul market alongside easyJet. The emergence of the World Wide Web led to the launch of Expedia in 1996 and Travelocity, changing how customers booked travel. Cruise lines began building larger vessels with more amenities, appealing to the mass market. The United Nations World Tourism Organization identified the mid-1990s as the catalyst for the expansion of mass tourism.

Coughlan outlined challenges faced over the past 30 years, including conflicts, financial crises, political changes, volcanic ash clouds and the recent pandemic. Despite these, the business has continued to flourish. He credited customers, media, former employees, partners and investors for contributing to the company’s story through recommendations, coverage, employment and strategic support.

The company has evolved into a household brand that now sells escorted tours internationally to customers in North America and Australia. It has adapted to changes and opportunities in the sector while maintaining focus on customer delivery. Coughlan emphasised that people within the organisation form the foundation of its success, delivering quality, value and service.

Looking ahead, Travel Department plans to broaden its horizons across different sectors with excitement and optimism for the next 30 years. Coughlan closed by thanking everyone connected to the business for their support and welcomed the year-long celebrations.

James Coughlan shared; “Our people make travel department what it is”