We chat to Martyn Stagg, head of sales for Alfa Travel about its most popular group destinations and how it stands out from the crowd.

Alfa Travel Coach at the Royal Norfolk Hotel

Source: Alfa Travel

Alfa Travel has a fleet of coaches and hotels across the country.

What is the best thing about working for Alfa Travel?

The best part of working for Alfa Travel is being part of a team of people who genuinely care, not just about our customers, but also about our staff and the group leaders we work closely with every day. We’re proud to be an employee-owned company, operating both a fleet of 55 coaches and 24 Leisureplex Hotels, giving us the ability to offer an end-to-end holiday experience that we can fully stand behind.

For many of us, customer loyalty is a real highlight. Building long-standing relationships with group leaders and helping them to create memorable holidays is incredibly rewarding. There’s a strong sense of teamwork and satisfaction in knowing we make our customers happy by offering great value for money holidays that leave them with memories to last a lifetime.

Martyn Stagg

Martyn Stagg.

With 24 fully owned Leisureplex Hotels across England, Wales and Scotland, it’s fantastic to see so many of our groups exploring different destinations and enjoying the variety we offer.

Looking ahead to 2026, a few favourites are already emerging. The Cavendish Hotel in Exmouth, a perennial seaside favourite, and The Queens Hotel in Eastbourne are both in high demand with our groups. Our Welsh leader is the Hydro Hotel in Llandudno, and the Waverley Castle Hotel in Melrose is a standout choice for groups heading north to Scotland.

When is the best time of year for groups to book?

While we’re currently busy taking bookings for 2026, the great news is that - with Alfa Travel being both the operator and owner of our coaches and Leisureplex Hotels - we have the flexibility to support group bookings all year round.

We can often offer group leaders a wide choice of dates and destinations to suit their group’s needs. Our in-house control over transport and accommodation allows us to be more responsive and adaptable, making it easier for you to find the perfect holiday.

What benefits are available for groups booking and travelling together?

Whether you’re booking a full Alfa Travel package holiday or just the hotel-only option at one of our Leisureplex Hotels, we offer benefits in for group leaders and their travellers.

Queens Eastbourne

Source: Diamond Photography

The Queens Hotel in Eastbourne is among the most popular hotels with guests booking for 2026.

Exclusive group perks include guaranteed free porterage, home-cooked meals for breakfast and dinner, including top-ups of tea and coffee, evening entertainment provided at our hotels, a dedicated dining area so groups can enjoy meals together, up to four free places (for the 21st, 31st, 41st & 48th passenger) on coach-inclusive holidays, free coach seating plans and a dedicated coach and driver for groups of 30 or more passengers.

How do you help groups with the organising and booking process?

We have two teams to support group bookings, Kelly and Ruby - specialists in full Alfa Travel package holidays - and Alyson and Gayle - focused on Leisureplex hotel-only bookings.

Having a dedicated team means you’ll receive a personal, tailored service from start to finish, assured that we take the time to understand the unique needs of every group and group leader, ensuring a seamless experience throughout the entire booking process.

We offer eight ready-made brochure tours to Ireland that groups can book on to - or we can create a tailor-made holiday to suit your group’s preferences. 

This year’s most popular group tour was Ireland’s south east, featuring four nights at Treacys Hotel in Waterford and two nights in Dublin - a blend of history, culture and scenic beauty. 2026’s best-seller so far is our Belfast & Giant’s Causeway seven-day break, offering dramatic landscapes, vibrant city life, and unforgettable excursions. 

What makes Alfa Travel’s coach journeys and drivers stand out?

We operate a fleet of 55 fully-owned Mercedes Tourismo coaches, all less than seven years old. By next year, we’ll increase our fleet size to 70 of our own touring coaches, ensuring even greater comfort and reliability for more customers and groups.

Royal Weymouth

Source: © nick @nicksmithphotography.com

Alfa Travel has 24 hotels across England, Wales and Scotland.

We currently have a dedicated team of 60 professional drivers, with 55 of them allocated to their own coach. Our drivers personally maintain their vehicles, keeping them spotless inside and out, right down to the polished alloys. They’re not just drivers - they become a valued part of the group, often receiving fantastic feedback for their friendly, helpful, and engaging approach.

There is an absence of tinted windows on our coaches. This is a purpose-made decision that allows passengers to enjoy clear views and take stunning photos of the UK and Ireland’s breath-taking scenery.

For more information about Alfa Travel, visit www.alfatravel.co.uk.