The Business Exchange Bath & Somerset Issue 14: Winter 2019 | Page 29

MAKING MEMORIES TO REMEMBER IN 2020 Have you booked next year’s holiday yet? Or thought about where you might like to go? It can’t be all work hard and no play, and it’s well-known that by setting goals and having something to look forward to we are more motivated in business and life. The travel industry has seen a major shake- up in 2019 with the collapse of Thomas Cook, global political instability, some environmental backlash, and travellers experiencing hefty exchange rates, but what does this mean for the future of the industry? Are people still interested in a package holiday? Or are they wanting more from their annual break? Felicia Severns, the new Managing Director of Odyssey World, a tailor-made tour operator said,“The market is definitely changing. Long-haul tailor-made travel is more popular than ever, and interestingly, the fastest growing demographic is the under 30s. No longer content with two weeks drinking cheap cocktails in Faliraki, the 18-30s crowd now want to hike to Machu Picchu in Peru, road-trip through Namibia or explore unforgettable temples and scenery in Jordan.” Once considered a luxury for the retired and wealthy, tailor-made travel has recently seen a growth in interest among young couples and families. People are keen to enjoy organised but flexible travel to more exotic locations, without the time consuming planning and research. This is where companies such as Odyssey World are finding business success. Odyssey World offers authentic travel experiences to exciting destinations throughout Africa, Asia, Arabia and the Americas. Predicting the decline of the high street travel agent, founder and travel veteran, Liz Pepperell, ‘shut up shop’ and moved the business online. With Liz remaining as an Executive Director and sharing her invaluable knowledge of the Middle East and Southern Africa, the business is now owned and operated by Longwell Green resident, Felicia Severns, who usually works from a purpose-built cabin in her back garden. Felicia said, “With busy schedules and no time to shop, our customers communicate with us by telephone, email and Whatsapp. Our clients and suppliers are all over the world and think about their holidays at different times of the day - and night. With our travel consultants and operational support in Australia, Scotland and England, we work flexibly and remotely, which allows us to be more responsive and personable to clients’ needs, whilst keeping unnecessary overheads low.” Odyssey World has strong relationships with local partners in each of its destinations and is passionate about promoting responsible global travel. The environmental impact of a jet flight can’t be disputed, but if travellers insist on going abroad for their holidays, they believe compensation can be made in how you spend your time on the ground. When engaging with the destination’s community, directly supporting poorer economies through gentle tourism, and contributing to educational and environmental programmes through carefully chosen travel suppliers, we can grow a richer world understanding that helps reduce the polarisation of belief that dominates UK headlines. Felicia added, “I’ve had some amazing travel experiences and I love helping others make memories to remember. My business satisfaction is found in creating bespoke experiences for clients who seek to get off the beaten track and are curious about the lives of others. We know first-hand the positive impact that responsible tourism has Felicia Severns, Odyssey World on some of our favourite places like Borneo, Oman, Vietnam and Costa Rica. I’m excited about the potential of Odyssey World and can’t wait to continue to grow the business, in turn, helping people get the most from their precious time away from work and the pressures of daily life. Life is for living and there’s no better time than now!” To start making your travel dreams a reality email Felicia Severns at: [email protected] call: 0117 313 7070 or visit: www.odyssey-world.co.uk REVVED UP Introducing the new Land Rover Defender Considering this vehicle was originally considered worthy of only agricultural use when first introduced, times have changed. The original Land Rover can trace its roots back to 1948 but the name ‘Defender’ was, surprisingly, not fully introduced until 1990. Over time and through the first three Series, the Land Rover was adopted by country folk in general and subsequently by people who liked to venture out into the wild, trusting the tough, four-wheel drive Land Rover to do its job. It was cheap and it was basic. Then came the Defender. Defender of old The two-door 90 and the 110 long-wheel- base four-door Defender Series, thanks to the legendary off-road ability, the historic character, massive popularity and a curious aspirational value, kept going well into the 21st Century although the technology, despite a few new mod-cons, was getting very long in the tooth. Also, the vehicle as a whole was not noted for extreme comfort. It didn’t matter. It consistently sold well but was eventually killed off, not by an absence of sales despite the lack of road manners and comfort, but by the brand’s inability to make the car meet modern economy and emissions legislation. The new Defender It has taken three long years for the replacement to appear (although it was in the planning stage for much longer). Finally launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the car has met with a chorus of approval. How much it resembles the vehicle it replaces is very much in the eye of the beholder. Look closely and it is possible to see some design cues that reflect the original and suggest the engineers have thought this through as the silhouette is unmistakeable. A brand representative is quoted as saying, “The new Defender is a future- proofed 4x4 for the 21st Century, using the latest technologies to optimise efficiency, enhance capability and revolutionise connectivity”. Well, you can’t say fairer than that. With plug-in hybrid electric power- trains on the way, software updates that are sent over the air and next-generation always-on touchscreen infotainment, the new Defender is “every bit as pioneering today as the original Land Rover was in 1948.” The vehicle itself The new car is something very different from the original, which was painted in surplus War Department green. It may have more of a lifestyle than a farmyard vibe these days but under the modern gloss lies an extremely accomplished and seriously capable car, as early trials have demonstrated. For example, it can drive through water up to a 900mm wading depth and for serious off-road work has an all-important 38° approach angle and 291mm of ground clearance. With old-school Alpine windows still featured, the car offers a colour heads- up array with on and off-road info plus a digital dashboard. Other options available include a 4.5tonne winch, a snorkel air intake for deep water and even a roof tent! Better still, they have run out of war surplus paint and now offer the car in seven complementary colours with two-tone options and other personalisations. A choice of advanced petrol and cleaner diesel engines mean the new Defender has the power, control and efficiency for any environment. In 2020 a plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) variant will join the range offering the prospect of silent running, EV-style. Featured technology includes Land Rover’s ClearSight Ground View and ClearSight Rear View Mirror both designed to help the driver see more; useful off-road. 3D on-screen visualisation will help when using the Advanced Tow Assist and Wade Sensing systems, we learn. The interior reflects our modern world and has a true SUV feel about it. Obviously, there are many differences from that original Defender. Time moves on. Those who dream of the old car must accept this is not a direct replacement, rather it is a vehicle that takes its cues from its ancestors and makes them better, if not cheaper. The jury is in: this a brilliant car that really can do it all. Written by Geoff Maxted www.drivewrite.co.uk @DriveWrite THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2019 29