Jean-Claude Baumgarten, president of World Travel & Tourism Council, is formally opening The Travel Club on Tuesday 29 September. The private members club - the first of its kind in the world - is at 4 St. James’s Square in central London. It’s dedicated to the business and social needs of the global travel and tourism industry, offering a unique, good value ‘home from home’ in the capital.

Baumgarten, who will speak to an invited audience of management executives, founder members, patrons, some of the club’s international representatives as well as heads of trade associations with whom the club is working closely.

“Since Thomas Cook started his operations, London has always been at the forefront of travel and tourism”, said Baumgarten. “WTTC quite naturally chose to have its headquarters in this busy city. Travel and tourism is one of the first industries in the world. What was missing was a place where leaders of this activity could meet in a convivial environment to show how important our industry has become. The opening of The Travel Club will do just that.”

£300 Pre-Launch Saving
The club, which shares the magnificent Grade 2 Listed building with the Naval & Military Club - known universally as the In & Out - has had a ‘soft’ opening period since the middle of July. Until 25 September, just before the opening, founder members can save £250 joining fee.

The cost of annual membership starts at £250 for overseas members and from £645 for members living in the UK, including VAT.

Offering a wide range of facilities, the club has meeting and event rooms, bars, a first class restaurant, library, gym, swimming pool and 49 bedrooms. The club is the perfect place for networking, entertaining, conducting business and relaxing.

Tom Nutley, the man behind the concept, is former chairman of Reed Travel Exhibitions and responsible for making such well known international industry events as World Travel Market (London), Arabian Travel Market (Dubai) and EIBTM (Barcelona) a success.

He said:” We are encouraged by first responses to the club. Most people have said they cannot understand why it has taken nearly 170 years to establish a centre for the industry to have its own centre!”

A social and event programme is planned at the club in the coming months.