Sports Tours spreads its wings after return to profit

SPORTS Tours International, which organises tours and holidays to running, cycling and triathlon events such as the Tour de France and the New York Marathon, is looking for further growth in Europe after swinging back into profit.

The Manchester company, majority owned by bookmaker and investor Fred Done, said investment in new systems and a broader product offering had been the key factors in its improvement.

In the year to March the company made an operating profit of £239,022 compared with a loss of £313,588 in 2010. Turnover rose from £7.1m to £7.5m.

Sport Tours International said it had seen significant growth in the the cycling and running sectors including an increase in numbers taking part and travelling to events such as L’Etape du Tour, La Marmotte, UK and international marathons, 10k races and specialist training camps.

Chief executive Chris Bird said: ” “Returning the business to profit has been a challenge over the four years since I took the position of chief executive in 2007.

“The business needed to make some important operational changes. We have invested heavily in new technology including an online booking system and in creating a wider and much more desirable product range.

“We now have an extremely dedicated and experienced staff, an office in Paris and are now looking to develop further in Spain, Germany and Holland. The next 12 months will remain challenging but we are focused on maintaining  steady organic growth and are looking to further grow the business via strategic acquisitions and partnerships.”

Sports Tours said it had also seen a pick-up in demand from UK and Irish consumers seeking more active holidays – with an increase in bookings for Club La Santa in Lanzarote, a warm weather training and active sports holiday resort.

Bird added: “It is encouraging to see that the UK active lifestyle market is growing. Companies, schools, families and sports focused individuals continue to look for a healthier holiday option, new challenges and ways to incentivise staff, team build or raise funds for good causes. We are now positioned as the market leader in this multi-sports travel sector.”