A Welsh celebration at Torquay reunion weekend

Almost 300 customers joined the Leisuretime by Toureasy team recently for a weekend of food, entertainment and friendship at the TLH Leisure Resort in Torquay.

The reunion weekend was organised so the coach operator could thank its customers, including a number of group organisers, for the support they have given Toureasy since it took over the Leisuretime brand in 2022. It was also a chance for the Toureasy team to meet people and put faces to the names they speak to throughout the year.

Toureasy set out to be the first 100% carbon neutral coach tour operator in the UK and in 2022 took over the Leisuretime brand in South Wales. The move created what is called Leisuretime by Toureasy which is still the UK’s only 100% certified carbon neutral coach tour operator.

During the reunion weekend, there was the opportunity to involve customers in the operator’s carbon neutral activities, giving them the opportunity to vote and choose one of the projects to be supported this year. Those attending chose an initiative called the Northern Uganda Safe Water Project which helps communities have access to safe water while reducing carbon emissions.

A surprise performance at the reunion weekend

As customers gathered in the hotel in Torquay for tea and cake, they were unaware that they were about to be treated to a special performance. Then the first bars of Calon Lân echoed around the room as the Treorchy Male Choir flash left customers “speechless and many a tear was shed” as the choir sung a short medley of songs before returning in the evening to give a full concert.

A spokesperson for the Treorchy Male Choir said: “It was lovely to sing for people who would possibly not have normally come to a concert, and to introduce them to our music. To see the joy on their faces, and the wonderful standing ovations was very moving.”

Sean Taggart, from Leisuretime by Toureasy, commented: “It was a huge joy and privilege to spend the weekend with so many of our customers and I’m just sorry that we couldn’t accommodate everyone who wanted to join us. The Treorchy Male Choir did us proud, as did our hosts at the TLH Resort and this was truly a celebration of the very best of Wales!”

What’s the outlook this year and what’s popular?

Leisuretime by Toureasy says that it has significantly increased the number of tours and day trips on offer for 2024. There are even more departures to classic seaside favourites such as Torquay, Blackpool and the Isle of Wight, as well as more holidays and short breaks in Europe.

The operator revealed that Spain, Germany and the Benelux countries (Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg) are really resonating with its customers. At the same time, Abba Voyage Live in London continues to be incredibly popular and they are working on plans to offer more shows and events tours this year.

And, after the success of its first reunion, planning is already under way for the next in January 2025.