Our Story
Where it all started
Paul Tilstone and Caroline Strachan had worked in different corners of the corporate travel industry for a collective 55 years when they co-founded FESTIVE ROAD in 2016. Their intent was clear and simple: to create better travel and meetings management.
Throughout their decades in the industry, both Caroline and Paul experienced firsthand the challenge of driving true change, but they never stopped pushing for it. As self-described “corporate rebels,” both had experienced the inherent conflicts within the sector that keep many from being able to challenge the status quo. And it wasn’t just them – travel buyers were continually sharing that they wanted to see more action in the industry as well.
”They decided to form a partnership to create the kind of company they longed to work for: one that operated independently, wasn’t afraid to challenge the market, and was obsessed with creating genuine, lasting change in corporate travel.
Rebels and disruptors
It felt like the entire market was in need of rebels and disruptors – which is why Caroline and Paul – two wildly different people in many respects – decided to form a partnership to create the kind of company they longed to work for: one that operated independently, wasn’t afraid to challenge the market, and was obsessed with creating genuine, lasting change in corporate travel. And, while they were at it, a company that put the whole person first long before that was the norm – a place where prioritizing their family didn’t require an explanation, and they had time to enjoy living, not just working. Despite their differences, Paul and Caroline are in lock step on their values and the way they want to treat others, and they celebrate the differences that all Roaders bring to the business.
”Most importantly, the team enjoys an incredible referral rate from its satisfied clients – an impressive “who’s who” of corporate travel buyers and suppliers.
A global consultancy
Now, well FESTIVE ROAD is a global consultancy with Roaders on three continents. The organization is regularly looked to as a thought leader in the industry, creating original conversations around permissible and purposeful travel, traveller experience, and other significant trends that will shape our sector for years to come. Most importantly, the team enjoys a 100% referral rate from its satisfied clients – an impressive “who’s who” of corporate travel buyers and suppliers who credit FESTIVE ROAD with helping them think differently and push the boundaries of how they’ve approached travel in the past.
These days, Paul, Caroline and their team of Roaders think about how to #CreateBetter travel and meetings management every single day. They’re driven by the impact they can have on other human beings and their desire to create lasting change in the industry – a task that only seems to grow more important and relevant with each passing year.
Every hero needs a good origin story
Niche, British animation series character Mr Benn was a man with a passion for costumes and the adventures they would take him on. During each adventure he became skilled at solving problems through collaboration and applying the lessons he learned from previous adventures. In each episode he discovered in his suit a souvenir of his adventure whilst returning to his home... on FESTIVE ROAD.
Mr Benn and the FESTIVE ROAD story represents the simplicity of our approach to clients. We “put on their clothes” and immerse ourselves in their world. We use our independent perspective to help them solve issues through our knowledge and networks. We learn from each client experience and use our enhanced knowledge to enrich our expertise and help the next client.
