1967
Hourmont Travel
John’s first school ski trip was to Zurs – Austria, in the 1950s by coach with Caerphilly Grammar School (known today as St Martin’s School) The resort was relatively unknown and gave him his first opportunity to travel overseas. His taste for travel simply did not waiver, and he started his first travel role in Cardiff for Robert Hourmont. A timeline of his accolades and achievements follows:
1972
Founded Schools Abroad
Select has a long heritage within school travel. It all began when our current Chairman, John Bowden, founded SchoolPlan Travel over 40 years ago. John’s first hotel purchase: Seespitz – Seefeld, Austria.
1977
John Bowden founded SchoolPlan Travel
1985
Founded SkiBound Limited
With a keen understanding of the needs of teachers organising school trips, John went on to form several successful school travel companies including Skibound in 1985.
1999
Founded SkiPlan/STS
Maintaining a vision to grow and adapt with the changing school travel industry, John founded SkiPlan/STS in 1999.
2008
Founded Select Chalets & Hotels
With a growing portfolio of properties to manage, Select Chalets & Hotels was born.
2015
Select School Travel is formed with son Martyn at the helm.
With a fast-moving technological landscape, yet wanting to keep the personalised service at the heart of what we do, the next generation of school travel was founded. With son Martyn at the helm, we retain a family-run, friendly team, along with many of the experienced staff who have been part of the Bowden school travel journey.
1
Simplicity
We provide a core range of tried and trusted tours that deliver excellent experiences for students, with minimal stress for you.
2
Consistency
We are committed to providing the personal touch and also aim for consistency in our approach ensuring the number of people you deal with will be kept to the minimum.
3
Support
We understand that your time is precious, therefore we endeavour to provide you with that little bit extra support in all areas.
4
Clarity
We tell you what you need to know, when you need to know it, in a clear, honest and straightforward way.
