Corporate travel company celebrates 50 years with record growth and expansion
A Half-Century of Growth and Innovation
Selective Travel Management, based in Belfast, has reached a significant milestone by celebrating 50 years in business. The company has experienced remarkable growth, with its turnover nearly doubling from £34 million in 2015 to £63 million in its most recent financial year. This achievement highlights the company’s resilience and ability to adapt to changing market conditions over the past five decades.
Over the last ten years, Selective Travel Management has maintained consistent year-on-year growth. It not only recovered fully from the challenges posed by the pandemic but also strengthened its client base across both the public and private sectors. The company has evolved significantly since its founding in 1975, when it started with just 12 employees. Today, it employs more than 180 people across Belfast and Dublin, reflecting its expansion and success.
The company is now ranked among the UK’s top 20 travel management companies (TMCs) by Business Travel News Europe 2025. Managing director Keith Graham emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating that reaching 50 years is a major moment for the entire team. He highlighted that the recognition as one of the top TMCs in the UK is especially meaningful given the company's long-standing commitment to service and client relationships.
Building a Reputation on Trust and Expertise
Selective Travel Management has built its reputation on reliability, flexibility, and expertise. Its diverse client base includes public sector organizations, higher education institutions, charities, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and clients in the film and entertainment industries. The company's success is attributed to its dedication to maintaining strong relationships with its clients and adapting to their evolving needs.
As part of the World Travel Centre Group, the company continues to invest in innovation, technology, and employee development. It has developed an in-house suite of digital platforms, including an online booking tool, traveller profiles, an online reporting tool, the hub, and an accounts portal. These tools enhance efficiency and provide clients with greater control over their travel arrangements.
Selective Travel Management is also one of the first UK TMCs to offer online rail booking changes, cancellations, and refunds. This feature provides clients with increased flexibility and speed, making it easier for them to manage their travel needs.
Embracing the Future with Modernization
This year has marked a new chapter for the company with the launch of a user-focused website and the move to a new headquarters in Belfast. These developments symbolize the company’s ongoing commitment to growth and modernization. Keith Graham expressed that while the company’s 50-year history reflects trust and resilience, its focus remains firmly on the future.
Selective Travel Management is delivering smarter travel solutions by investing in cybersecurity, achieving important accreditations such as ISO 27001, and working toward its net-zero target by 2035. Despite these forward-looking initiatives, the company remains dedicated to its core service culture, which prioritizes client needs and adapts quickly to changing demands.
Expanding Influence Across Public and Private Sectors
Selective Travel Management continues to be a leading supplier across major UK and Ireland public sector travel frameworks. It serves as one of three suppliers under the British Government Travel Framework, which is estimated to have a maximum value of £3 billion. The company is the sole supplier on the Northern Ireland Government Framework and a key partner on the Irish Government Framework, resulting in 15 new clients.
Its client list includes well-known organizations such as the University of Glasgow, Newcastle University, Coca Cola HBC, Concern Worldwide, and Trócaire. These partnerships highlight the company’s ability to meet the complex travel needs of large institutions and businesses.
Selective Travel Management has also been recognized for its outstanding service. Recent accolades include winning the "Team of the Year" award at the 2025 Irish News Workplace & Employment Awards and the "Team of the Year" award at the 2024 Belfast Chamber Business Awards. These honors reflect the company’s dedication to excellence and its strong team culture.
As it looks ahead, Selective Travel Management remains focused on innovation, client satisfaction, and sustainable growth, ensuring it continues to lead the way in the travel management industry.