Channel 4 has today announced an investment into TravelLocal, the Bristol-based global B2C online marketplace for tailor-made holidays. 

Channel 4 joins existing investment funds, Active Partners and Gresham House Ventures, in backing the business. 

Bristol-based TravelLocal launched in 2016 and is building a global brand, having already taken bookings from clients in 39 origin countries around the world and currently offering 49 destinations. 

Commenting on the investment, Tom Stapleton, Managing Director and co-founder said: “We are in an exciting period of growth at TravelLocal and are delighted to have Channel 4 join us as an investor. Our new TV ad has delivered great success so far and we’re excited about expanding the campaign to gain maximum exposure for our unique tailor-made holiday offering. We strongly believe that booking bespoke holidays with our handpicked, trusted local partners delivers the best holiday experience for our clients, as well as being fairer to these hidden stars of our industry." 

Vinay Solanki, Head of Commercial Growth Fund at Channel 4, said: “TravelLocal is a superbly run regional UK business serving global markets and, like Channel 4’s own distinctive model, presents a unique take on the travel vertical. Led by an impressive management team, it offers an alternative to classic package holidays, seeking out more authentic experiences at superb-value prices – a great fit for our intellectually curious and upmarket audience. Growth phase businesses like TravelLocal are typical of the digital disruptors which our Commercial Growth Fund seeks to support, enabling access to TV advertising-driven awareness at scale. We are truly delighted to support them.”