GLT Show speaker Simon Calder lands big job at The Telegraph

A regular at the Group Leisure & Travel Show, sharing his expert travel advice and experience, the new role sees Simon host a new weekly podcast called The Travel Expert, which combines expert interviews, travel inspiration and consumer travel advice.

He will also produce videos for the publication’s social media and lead The Telegraph’s travel newsletter. 

Simon said he was “thrilled” to be joining The Telegraph, adding: “Exploring has never been more rewarding: travel is the industry of human happiness, bestowing benefits across the nation and the world. Yet never has it been more challenging, with a range of risks from geopolitics to climate change.

“I can’t wait to play my part in inspiring and informing the Telegraph audience, alongside outstanding travel writers and editors, led by Ben Ross.”

Ross is head of travel at The Telegraph and has spoken of his excitement “about the possibilities” that Simon’s arrival brings for its coverage. 

Simon returns as a speaker at the GLT Show which this year is taking place on Thursday 8th October back at Arena MK, Milton Keynes. 

Previously describing the exhibition as “a really interesting event” with a “warm and friendly atmosphere”, Simon is a popular draw for visitors at the show and someone who has shared lots of inspiration and practical travel advice over the years. 

More about Simon

Simon’s career in travel began at Gatwick Airport where he cleaned aircraft for Laker Airways and later worked as a security officer. He became travel editor for The Independent in 1994 and in 2003 become a regular presenter for the Holiday programme on BBC1, presenting the last film in the final programme of the series which had run for 37 years. 

Simon still credits his parents, Nigel and Liz, for his love of travel. In particular it was their decision to move to Crawley in Sussex where he joined the local branch of the Woodcraft Folk who organised a camping trip to the Lake District and he became hooked. 

Having started hitch-hiking at the age of 12, Simon has thumbed his way around the world. He has now travelled to more than 100 countries and his passion for exploring new places and having different experiences hasn’t wavered.

In a previous interview with GLT, the ever-modest Simon said: “I’ve hardly travelled anywhere… “It has been more of a question of making the most of the opportunities I have had from a professional point of view.”

Simon will join TV explorer and adventurer Paul Rose and Eric Knowles (Bargain Hunt, Antiques Roadshow), in the Seminar Theatre this year.