About Us
The perfect trip requires the perfect blueprint. We use decades of expertise to deliver exceptional travel experiences.
Our Brands
Our three brands, Rayburn Tours, Venture Abroad, and Sports Tours, come together to create experiences that spark curiosity, build confidence, and open doors to new opportunities.
Whether it’s exploring classroom subjects through immersive trips, venturing overseas to discover new cultures, or competing in sports tournaments that push limits and celebrate teamwork, our brands share one purpose: to help young people learn, grow and thrive through travel. Behind every journey is our commitment, expertise and passion.
For over 60 years, Rayburn Tours has been designing carefully crafted school and group travel experiences across education, music, sport and adventure. Whether exploring the UK, Europe or beyond, each trip is planned to inspire learning, spark curiosity, and create meaningful memories.
With more than 35 years’ experience, Sports Tours specialises in professionally run UK and international sports tournaments, giving teams the chance to compete, develop skills, and experience sport on a bigger stage. From grassroots clubs to school teams, every tournament is tailored to challenge and motivate participants.
For 50 years, Venture Abroad has delivered overseas trips for Scouts, Guides and other uniformed groups, combining cultural, outdoor and adventure experiences to build confidence, teamwork and a global perspective. Each journey is designed to encourage exploration and personal growth in an immersive international setting.
Katie Boyden
Katie Boyden is Joint Managing Director with 21 years of experience in the travel industry. Her journey with the company began in 2004, and she has held a variety of leadership roles, including Director & General Manager, before stepping into her current position in 2017. With extensive experience and a deep understanding of the business, Katie plays a key role in driving the company’s operations, heading up Business Operations, HR, and Legal, while helping to shape the company’s vision, culture, and continued growth.
Jamie Boyden
Jamie Boyden has spent over 15 years working his way up through the family business to become Joint Managing Director. Starting in roles such as Ski Tours Manager and Commercial Manager, he developed a comprehensive understanding of the industry and the company’s operations. Since becoming Joint Managing Director in 2017, Jamie has played a key leadership role, heading up Business Strategy, Sales, Marketing, Product Technology, and Sports Tours Ltd, while contributing to the company’s continued success and upholding its core values.
John Boyden
Chairman John Boyden has owned and led the company since 1984, starting from a small office with three staff and the support of his wife, then a music teacher. Under his leadership, Rayburn Tours expanded from concert tours into curriculum-based educational trips, continually evolving to meet the changing syllabus and educational needs. John has now passed the active leadership of the company to Jamie and Katie Boyden, continuing to support the business as Chairman.
Kelly Wigley
Kelly is the Operations & Customer Relations Director, with 18 years of experience in the school and group travel industry. She oversees all central operations, including team training and development, company processes, safety and crisis management, and customer experience. Her extensive background in operations, leadership, and logistics makes her an expert in delivering exceptional service and ensuring smooth, safe travels for all clients.
Meet the board...
The Rayburn Travel Group is guided by a board of directors whose leadership shapes every aspect of our vision. Bringing together deep industry expertise, strategic insight and a genuine passion for meaningful travel, they steer our organisation forward.
The Teams That Make It Happen
Behind every incredible trip at Rayburn Travel Group is a dedicated team of travel specialists who bring passion, creativity and decades of experience to every trip.
Tour Consultants
Our Tour Consultants guide you through the early planning stages, helping you choose the right destination and shape a trip that meets your educational aims. Drawing on a team that includes linguists, ski and sports specialists, and experienced performers, they bring real, first-hand insight to every decision.
Tour Coordinators
Once your tour is confirmed, our Tour Coordinators take over, finalising itineraries, checking reservations and preparing every detail. With the support of specialists across languages, sport, performance and more, they ensure every element reflects deep, practical knowledge.
Key Account Managers
Our Key Account Managers provide dedicated, expert support for schools with multiple complex programmes of touring, offering strategic advice and managing all aspects of your tour to ensure smooth execution and exceptional outcomes.
Transportation
Our qualified, in-house Transport and Aviation department is one of the few in the industry, ensuring strict safety compliance and securing the best travel routes and rates through our established relationships with trusted providers.
Product
Our Product team excels at building lasting relationships with top-tier suppliers, guaranteeing the best accommodations and excursions, whilst meticulously adhering to STF and LOTC guides to create perfectly tailored tours.
Marketing
Our Marketing team brings each experience to life, crafting inspiring content that help groups feel the excitement of what’s possible. Through thoughtful storytelling and clear communication, they ensure every group has the information, confidence and anticipation they need before their journey even begins.
Finance & IT
Our Finance & IT teams provide the clarity, security and technical reliability that underpin a smooth booking experience. From transparent invoicing and secure payment handling to robust systems, data protection and digital support, they ensure every step is accurate, efficient and fully protected.
Operations Support
Our Operations Support team keeps everything running seamlessly behind the scenes. They manage logistics, send customers’ updates, prepare itinerary templates and ensure passenger details are accurately captured for flight bookings. Their efficiency helps every trip start on solid ground.
Values and mission
Our company is united by one clear purpose: working together to provide memorable experiences and helping the next generation become more informed, confident, and positively connected to the world around them. This mission guides everything we do and is the shared goal that inspires our team every day.
Our accreditations
We work with suppliers governed by LOtC and STF standards, ensuring every tour meets the highest levels of safety, quality, and educational value. We carefully audit accommodation, manage every logistical detail, and provide full financial security as ABTOT bonded, ATOL licensed, and ABTA members, with travel insurance available through AVIVA for complete peace of mind.
Read more on our Safety page.