Announcing the change of ownership, managing director Zoe Davidson, said: “After 21 years as a trail blazing tour operator, we are thrilled that McKinlay Kidd can continue to grow and flourish into the future as an employee-owned business.

“Various global studies and travel trend reports highlight that visitors are increasingly seeking personalised experiences. We know for example that around 80% of visitors would rather wait to talk to a human customer service agent than immediately deal with an AI-powered assistant, and 60% of consumers globally seek curated experiences tailored to themselves.

“So as our founders Heather McKinlay and Robert Kidd take a step back, it is important that we do all we can to secure a thriving future for an incredible business that is renowned for delivering some of the UK and Ireland’s best tailor-made holidays.

“We considered different options for the ownership transition and it soon became clear that employee ownership is the right succession planning model for McKinlay Kidd. It will help us ensure long term business success in a way that builds on our values of putting people - customers, communities, partners and staff – first. It will allow us to keep delivering the world-class service that our customers are used to and support sustainable development in the communities we live in, work in and love.”

With annual turnover on track to grow by 15% year-on-year, McKinlay Kidd is now owned by the McKinlay Kidd Employee Ownership Trust for the benefit of its 25 employees. The Company will continue to operate under the leadership of Zoe Davidson, who was appointed Managing Director in 2023 after six years as general manager.

Founder Heather McKinlay will also remain on the Company board, alongside newly appointed non-executive director Richard Carrick (who has worked within senior roles in tourism for 35 to 40 years).

The company board will continue to oversee day-to-day operations, under control of the McKinlay Kidd Employee Ownership Trust as 100% shareholder. Robert Kidd becomes a trustee alongside employee trustee Roisin Kelly (who is Groups Travel Executive at the Company), and independent trustee Innes Chalmers of Covenant Financial.

McKinlay Kidd was advised on the transaction by Ralph Leishman of 4 Consulting, Douglas Roberts and Nimarta Cheema of TLT and Christopher Blunn and Peter Heslington of Praxis Advisory LLP.

Transferring ownership, Heather, who was awarded the AITO Chairman’s Award in 2023 for her ‘exceptional contribution’ to the industry, said: “We are confident that under the new employee ownership model and Zoe’s leadership, McKinlay Kidd will continue to flourish - providing exemplar customer service, supporting the communities in which it operates and delivering fantastic tailormade holidays now and in the future.

“Emerging technology, like AI, may provide new ways to engage and service customers, but as ongoing feedback and our own research proves, the level of direct human interaction McKinlay Kidd delivers really is irreplaceable. Our customers want to be able to contact us directly and speak to travel advisors who know the ins and outs of the destinations personally. Over many years we have developed partnerships with hundreds of predominantly family-run businesses, so that our customers can really get under the skin of a place, exploring beyond the tourism hotspots and supporting the communities they visit.”

Robert Kidd added: “This human approach builds trust, creates the most memorable and meaningful holidays, connects visitors to people and places, and drives responsible tourism.

“It is key to ensuring that tourism supports thriving communities economically, culturally, socially and environmentally.”

This belief was echoed in recent visitor research by Euromonitor International Ltd (2024), which found “personal connection and deeper community engagement does not just improve visitor experience, it can also help foster a mutually beneficial relationship between visitor, community and the tourism sector and its employees.”

McKinlay Kidd’s employee trustee, Roisin Kelly, 29, agreed: “We hear time and time again that our customers love holidays most when they feel a real sense of connection to the places they visit and the people they meet.

“To achieve this, we personally research every area and seek out partners who demonstrate a clear commitment to customer service that rivals our own.

“It is incredibly rewarding when we receive so much heartfelt customer feedback, and we know our work really is supporting the destinations our customers visit. it is a real privilege to be part of McKinlay Kidd and I look forward to my future with them.”

Scottish Enterprise has supported McKinlay Kidd to explore international markets and succession planning through an employee ownership business model. Darah Zahran leads the Co-operative Development Scotland team – the Scottish Enterprise unit responsible for growing employee ownership.

She said: “Employee ownership is an attractive succession option as it gives employees a meaningful stake in their organisation, a genuine say in how it’s run, ensures consistency for customers and anchors the business in its community for the long term.

“Employee-owned businesses are also proven to be more resilient in times of economic crisis, more profitable and more productive – all key measures of business success. It’s great to see McKinlay Kidd recognising these advantages and embracing employee ownership.”

Julie Wakley, head of GB for Tourism Ireland, added: “We’d like to congratulate McKinlay Kidd on becoming an employee-owned business. This is an exciting decision that keeps the emphasis on people, inspiring outstanding customer service and ensuring prospective visitors get rich and authentic experiences.

“This approach is very much in keeping with the warmth of the welcome the island of Ireland is renowned for the world over. McKinlay Kidd have created inspiring touring holidays that bring holidaymakers to the heart of Irish communities and culture, supporting the regions as well as promoting off-season travel and sustainability.

“We are proud to have worked in partnership with McKinlay Kidd for many years and look forward to an exciting future together.”