Polytechnic Touring Association
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Travel agency |
| Predecessor | Regent Street Polytechnic travel service |
| Founded | 1911 |
| Fate | Acquired and merged into Lunn Poly in 1962 |
| Headquarters | London , United Kingdom |
Key people | Robert Mitchell (Director of Education), Commander Ronald G Studd (Managing Director) |
| Products | Domestic and international vacations, tours, cruises |
The Polytechnic Touring Association originated as a travel agency linked to the Regent Street Polytechnic (currently the University of Westminster), created to organise domestic and international vacations for its students and affiliates. In 1911, it became an autonomous entity while preserving strong connections with the Polytechnic. Subsequently rebranded as Poly Travel, the company was purchased in 1962 along with Sir Henry Lunn Ltd. These two businesses merged, eventually adopting the name Lunn Poly, which later evolved into Thomson Holidays. The PTA was one of several British travel firms established in the late 1800s, following in the footsteps of early industry leaders such as Thomas Cook.
History
At first, members of the Polytechnic enjoyed holidays at residences owned by founder Quintin Hogg, but increasing interest led to organised international excursions. By 1886, trips were arranged to Switzerland and Boulogne, expanding to include Belgium and Switzerland again in 1888, and visits to the Paris Exhibition in 1889. Cruises to Norway began by 1892.
In 1894, Robert Mitchell (1855–1933), then Director of Education, purchased chalets near Lake Lucerne, creating a significant destination for PTA travellers. A notable achievement was coordinating travel for over 1,000 people attending the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago. The number of participants on continental tours increased from 3,000 in 1894 to 12,000 by 1903. In 1896, the steam yacht "Ceylon" was acquired to conduct cruises along Norwegian fjords, with Polytechnic guides onboard. However, tensions arose when Thomas Cook and Son raised objections concerning government subsidies benefiting PTA tours.
The designation 'Polytechnic Touring Association' came into use around 1900, with management initially overseen by the Polytechnic itself. The agency’s mission focused on providing affordable travel options for middle and lower-middle-class clients. Following administrative changes in 1891, distinct financial accounts were introduced. Robert Mitchell remained at the helm until after the First World War.
After 1918, expansion was led by Commander Ronald G Studd, who assumed leadership in 1921 upon invitation from his father, Sir Kynaston Studd, then President of the Polytechnic. Ronald broadened tour offerings into southern Europe while retaining Switzerland as a principal destination. Kynaston chaired the PTA until his passing in 1944; Ronald served as Managing Director and was a member of the Polytechnic Board of Governors. PTA’s offices stayed within Polytechnic buildings until 1950, with annual contributions made to support the institution.
Ronald Studd held leadership roles including chairmanship of the Creative Tourist Agents Conference and was appointed first vice-chairman of the ABTA at its inception in 1950. In 1962, Poly Travel was acquired by Harold Bamberg, who also took ownership of Henry Lunn Ltd., merging them into Lunn Poly, which underwent a rebranding to become Thomson Holidays in 2005.