Nutley
For 30 years, Tom Nutley has been the man behind creating an impressive portfolio of regional, sector, and global exhibitions, including Arabian Travel Market, Luxury Travel Market, EIBTM (the global meetings industry), and the flagship World Travel Market. Now he is poised to break new ground when he launches The Travel Club on September 29th.
The Travel Club is a private members’ establishment situated in the heart of London’s West End, and dedicated to travel industry professionals from the world at large. In accordance with Mr. Nutley’s vision, ”An exclusive and inclusive place, where under one roof you can conduct business in a relaxed, convenient environment, hold meetings, conferences, product launches, socialize or network.”
“Thousands of executives who fly into London or travel from elsewhere in the United Kingdom have no choice but to head for just another hotel,” said Nutley. This is not an ideal business solution. “How much better is it to have a drink in a bar with people from the same industry, with the same problems and challenges and then go on to have a decent dinner and a comfortable bed for the night?”
Piccadilly Circus, London
The place Tom chose for establishing the Travel Club is the Grade 2 Listed 17th century building in London exclusive St. James’s Square, close to Piccadilly. It has three bars, a restaurant bistro, meeting and function rooms, library, gymnasium, spa, bedrooms and a secluded courtyard. It shares residence with the long established Naval & Military Club.
“This is where like-minded people can entertain friends and business contacts… just as if they were at home. It affords the perfect mix… grand enough for the most important occasion, friendly enough to be able to unwind,” said Nutley.
“In these difficult economic times,” he continued. “Everyone is looking for emotional as well as physical value for money. The Travel Club offers the ideal, affordable place.”
Nutley has brought together a team of five directors, all with extensive industry experience. They are working with leading industry associations on a
membership drive prior to the Club’s formal launch. Their efforts have been received positively so far.
Among the Club’s distinguished patrons are Mr Taleb Rifai, Secretary General ad interim, United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO); Lord Pendry, Former Shadow Minister for Sport and Tourism, UK; Jean-Claude Baumgarten, President, World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC); and Greg Duffell, President and CEO Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).
Industry professionals who join The Travel Club before September 25th 2009 are designated Founder Members and save the £250 joining fee. They also enjoy full membership benefits in advance of its official opening.
St. James Square, London
