Artisan by Travel Four Seasons hits more than £1m in sales in first year

Bespoke travel planning service Artisan has reported a gross booking value of £1.15 million in its first year of operations. 

 

The company was established last year by Travel Four Seasons founder Sean Fletcher to meet the “growing demand for personalised, concierge-led travel experiences”.

 

The team - spearheaded by Holly Axelrad - credits the business’s success to the introduction of a planning fee model. 

 

Artisan travel advisor Jo Reeder said: “The first year of Artisan has exceeded our expectations. The introduction of a planning fee has allowed us to invest the time needed to truly understand our clients and create bespoke itineraries. 

 

“Rather than deterring clients, the fee has attracted travellers who value our expertise and personalised service, resulting in higher conversion rates and stronger client relationships.”

 

The company has also recently expanded its team, welcoming Jessica Jackson (pictured), founder of boutique agency Little Compass Travel, who has brought her brand under the Artisan umbrella. 

 

Jackson said: “I’m thrilled to join the Artisan team. The synergy between Little Compass Travel’s philosophy and Artisan’s commitment to thoughtful, personalised service is perfectly aligned.”

 

Artisan is predicting “substantial growth” for 2026, with a gross booking value forecast of £2.4 million, more than doubling its first-year performance. 

 

The company also has plans to further expand the team. 

 

Fletcher said: “Artisan’s growth validates our belief that there is strong demand for truly bespoke travel planning. The team has built something special – a service where the planning fee ensures quality over quantity, and where client relationships are valued above all. 

 

“We are currently having discussions with travel planners based outside of the UK interested in joining the team and hope to expand Artisan internationally in 2026.”