History

The history of Trafalgar Tours began in 1947, and for the first 12 years of its existence was known by the name of Industrial Recreational Services. Through the 60 years following its inception, Trafalgar has become a world leader in travel by continually adapting to bring our guests better touring experiences.
 
1947 - After leaving the army - where he had spent the war working in intelligence and personnel - Bill Nunn, Trafalgar's founding father sets up Industrial Recreational Services (IRS), organising group travel and entertainment for industry.
 
1949 - IRS offers trips to the London Palladium to see Harpo Marx. The cost includes return coach travel and a reserved seat at the show for 12 shillings! IRS moves offices to 139 Grand Buildings in Trafalgar Square, the landmark which 10 years later would give the company its now familiar name. 

1957 - The leisure side of the business gains popularity, Mr. Nunn and Mr. Appelby sell some of their shares to the Overseas Visitors Club in London and to Mosenthal, a South African conglomerate. It is here that the strong links between South Africa and Trafalgar were made, and which still contribute to Trafalgar's success today.

1958 - IRS starts operating European Coach Tours like the 21-day "Young Commonwealth Special". The Overseas Visitors Club (OVC) moves to Earls Court. For South Africans, the OVC in London becomes a home away from home in Europe. 

1959 - The company changes its name to Trafalgar Tours.

1960's - At the height of the Cold War, Trafalgar organises tours to Moscow despite the difficulty in arranging visas. 

1961 - Trafalgar opens its first overseas office in the heart of Johannesburg, South Africa.

1962 - Trafalgar charters Edinburgh Castle, a 1600 passenger ship, for a 14-day voyage from Cape Town to Southampton. The charter costs only £28, and the ship was double booked within a week. Several more charters follow over the next 3-years. 

1964 - Trafalgar expands into new areas and the original partners sell their shares to Nick Tarsh. Mr. Tarsh, who had studied law and economics at Cambridge, sells Tan Travel and disbands the overseas sales offices.

1966 - Rhodesia declares independence and Trafalgar loses money when charter flights between London and Salisbury come to an end. Mr. Tarsh flies to South Africa and introduces the concept of newspaper tours based on travel offers to readers and the first tour is a sell out. Mr. Tarsh revives the Union Castle Line charters between Cape Town and Southampton.

1967 - Newspaper tours are introduced to Australia. This market replaces South Africa as Trafalgar's most productive.

1970's - The Tollman family becomes involved with Trafalgar, and with their tremendous knowledge and experience in the travel industry, proceed to take the company to new heights.

1997 - New programs offer tours to a wider variety of destinations including North America, Australia, South Africa and
New Zealand, South Africa and the Far East.

2004 - Trafalgar expands its European product with luxurious new "River Cruises" and revolutionary new products like experiences.