Your holiday in safe hands: Meet one of our expert tour managers
Find out what makes escorted touring special as we sit down to chat with one of our expert tour managers.
With more than 40 years’ experience operating award-winning escorted tours, our team understands that it’s often the people you meet on the ground that can make the greatest difference to your holiday. We’re incredibly proud of our expert tour managers, with trusted local guides in every destination we have on offer, and are always pleased to hear how much of an impact they make on our customers’ travel stories.
We recently sat down with one of our tour managers for the inside scoop on what goes into making each travel experience as memorable as our customers always dreamt them to be. Richard, who leads our André Rieu concert-breaks and a number of our popular European tours, spoke to us about his most memorable experiences and what makes escorted touring special. With that in mind, here’s what he had to say.
Get to know one of our expert tour managers
How long have you been a tour manager?
I started working in tourism 20 years ago as a winter ski resort manager and then spent a summer season in the mountains in Austria. I've done lots of jobs, and the German language has a great word, allerwettskerl (Jack of all trades). I've been leading tours with Newmarket Holidays since 2023.
What’s your favourite part about leading tours?
I love meeting and talking with customers. Giving them top tips and information to make the most of their holiday and listening to their experiences and holiday life stories is such a privilege.
What do you think escorted touring adds to customers’ travel experience?
I try to give customers the best experience without having to worry about anything. To foster a group spirit with shared memories and fun. Many of the customers meet and retain friendships beyond the holiday. I’m always there to make sure everything goes smoothly, and if there are hiccups like lost luggage, to sort issues out quickly and take the load myself.
Do you have a favourite memory from any of the tours you’ve led?
Every memory is special, but recently on Christmastime in the Austrian Tyrol, I had a customer who gave me a personally drawn Christmas card and then on departure day at Zurich airport, a farewell card. Every written mention along with my many reviews on Trustpilot, is a special, treasured memory.
What our customers say
“This was our first trip with Newmarket Holidays, but it definitely won’t be our last! Our tour manager, Richard, and driver, Ruud, made the whole experience seamless.”
Denise, Customer, André Rieu Christmas Concert in Maastricht
What would you say to someone who might be unsure about escorted touring for their next holiday?
Nothing ventured, nothing gained! Many customers travel independently but being on an escorted holiday, with an experienced tour manager lets you completely relax and not have to worry about a thing! You also get to meet lots of other people, make friends, and share fabulous memories with fellow travellers.
What our customers say
“We’ve just returned from the most amazing Christmastime in the Tyrol, but what really made the trip was our guide, Richard. He was so organised and hilarious, and he gave us all the best tips for staying warm and making the most of the mountains. Highly recommend if you want a stress-free, scenic winter getaway!”
Shuggy, Customer, Christmastime in the Austrian Tyrol
Travel in confidence with Newmarket Holidays
Let one of our expert local tour managers show you the spots beyond the guidebooks and make your next adventure just as special as you’d always imagined. Whether you’ve got a specific destination in mind, or are looking for inspiration, our friendly holiday planners are on hand to help you choose the right tour for you. Give them a call today to get the ball rolling on your next wish-list getaway, or check out our dedicated destinations page for our full range of global itineraries.
