C.I. Travel Group celebrating 40 years

Publish date: 27 May 2022

What do Prince William, Countdown, Trivial Pursuit, Ferrero Rocher and C. I. Travel Group all have in common? They will all celebrate their 40th birthday in 2022.

1982 was the year that brought us the movie E.T., Michael Jackson’s ground-breaking Thriller Album and the opening of Disney’s futuristic EPCOT centre in Florida. Meanwhile holidaymakers were flocking to the Channel Islands, many inspired to visit by the popular Jersey-based Bergerac drama series which had launched on the BBC during the previous autumn.

Originally operating under the name OSL Channel Islands before becoming Channel Islands Travel Service and latterly C. I. Travel Group, the company was registered on 28th April 1982 by our Chairman Peter Drew and began by providing travel booking services for accommodation providers. However, within a few years the business had expanded to become the specialist Tour Operator that we remain today.

Over the past 4 decades the company has weathered many storms (both literally and figuratively) including a volcanic eruption that grounded flights across Europe, multiple recessions, the sad loss of valued travel and accommodation providers, extraordinary weather events, the rise of low-cost travel opening up multiple new destinations, and most recently the COVID-19 pandemic that has had an unprecedented impact on the travel industry world-wide.

Throughout these 40 years we have strived to put our clients first, by providing first class customer service, unbeatable local knowledge, the reassurance of our ATOL and ABTA memberships, and above all great value holidays in beautiful locations. Testament to our continued success is those clients that have chosen to book with us again and again over the years, from honeymooners to family holidays, and some now returning to the islands with their Grandchildren.

From humble beginnings the Group has grown, acquiring Liverpool based Airways Holidays in 2000, Travtel Holidays and FlyDirect in 2007, and Bontour in 2008. Now operating seven holiday brands and providing holidays and breaks both into and out of the Channel Islands, we look after more than 20,000 passengers per year. At the heart of the business are our employees, some of whom have been working here alongside Mr Drew for the majority of our 40 years. Their commitment to our business and our clients is fundamental to the Group’s continued success.

Whilst the tourism landscape of the Channel Islands itself has seen some changes in 40 years, the wide sandy beaches, towering cliffs, spectacular sunsets and welcoming locals remain just as they were when we began and the islands of Jersey and Guernsey continue to provide a wonderful holiday, less than an hour from most UK departure airports or a pleasant hop across the Channel by sea.

As life returns closer to normal post-Covid and holiday-taking resumes, the Channel Islands continue to offer fantastic value. As we enter our fifth decade, everyone at C. I. Travel Group is looking forward to continuing our tradition of providing memorable holidays and exceptional service.

Latest news

29 Jul 2025

Adrian Edmondson and Lesley Sharp join cast for second series of Bergerac for U and U&DRAMA

UKTV today announces that Adrian Edmondson (Rain Dogs, A Spy Among Friends) and Lesley Sharp (Red Eye, Before We Die) will be joining Damien Molony in the re-imagined series of Bergerac.
28 Jul 2025

Jersey Uncovered named Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards Winner for 2025

Jersey Uncovered is pleased to announce that it has been recognized in Tripadvisor’s® Travelers’ Choice® Awards for 2025, ranking among the top 10% of listings around the world on Tripadvisor.
28 Jul 2025

Jersey War Tunnels Recognised Among Top 10% of Attractions Worldwide

Jersey War Tunnels is proud to announce that it has once again been recognised in Tripadvisor’s® Travelers’ Choice® Awards for 2025.
15 Jul 2025

Patrick Burke Named Hotelier of the Month by the Independent Hotel Show London

The Atlantic Hotel is delighted to announce that Patrick Burke, Owner and Managing Director, has been named Hotelier of the Month by the prestigious Independent Hotel Show London.
02 Jul 2025

The 5th Edition of Le French Festival returns to Jersey

The island of Jersey will once again celebrate its rich French connections with the much-loved Le French Festival, taking place from 10 to 14 July 2025, with additional exhibitions and activities starting mid-June.
26 Jun 2025

Visit Jersey Board appoints new Non-Executive Directors

The Board of Directors of Visit Jersey Limited, the organisation responsible for promoting Jersey as a tourist destination, announces the appointment of Matthew Jones and James Hooker as Non-Executive Directors, effective from 01 August 2025.
26 Jun 2025

Jersey Pearl Celebrates 40th Anniversary

This June, Jersey Pearl marks 40 years of sharing the magic of pearls. Since 1985, this Jersey family-run business has welcomed over 30 million visitors to its St Ouen home, offering unforgettable experiences in shopping, dining, and pearl discoveries.
17 Jun 2025

Celebrating 15 Years at the UK’s Leading Cheese and Dairy Event

The Atlantic Hotel is delighted to announce that Executive Chef Will Holland will be attending the International Cheese and Dairy Expo 2025, taking place on Wednesday 25 – Thursday 26 June at the Staffordshire County Showground.
17 Jun 2025

The Very Hungry Caterpillar™ comes to Jersey Zoo

Visitors to Jersey Zoo will be transformed into the beautiful world of Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar™, as he is brought to life across the site with a brand-new trail.
06 Jun 2025

New direct route between Brest, Jersey and Alderney this summer with Finistair

Finistair, a regional airline based in Brittany, France, is pleased to announce the launch of a new direct summer route between Jersey, Alderney and Brest, operated in partnership with the Governments of Jersey and Alderney.
20 May 2025

Jersey stakes its claim on the world stage with Geopark campaign launch

The aspiring Jersey Island Geopark has today launched a brand campaign aimed at securing UNESCO Global Geopark status.
02 May 2025

New exhibition looks at life after Liberation

A new exhibition at Jersey Museum opens today (02 May) as part of Jersey Heritage’s celebrations to mark the 80th anniversary of Liberation in 2025.