Travel INDUSTRY

Making a world of difference

Just like you, we are travel industry experts

Over 200 of your industry peers have selected us as their accountancy partner, encompassing leading and niche tour operators, leisure and business travel agents, and accommodation only specialists. All benefit from up-to-date industry expertise, our network of invaluable trade contacts and our Events programme, including Masterclasses and our annual Travel Directors’ Summit.

Travel Accountants

Hear from our clients

Getting you where you want to be

Travel Accountants

Our expertise took years to build. Just like yours.

Quite simply with travel, there is more to get right…or wrong.

Try asking a non-specialist Accountant how much they know about:

We have made it our business to understand your business.

Travel VAT and the Tour Operators’ Margin Scheme (TOMS)

In the travel industry, the VAT rules can be particularly complex and frequently change, often meaning it is challenging to keep track and ensure VAT efficiency.

We have many years of experience with the TOMS rules and know how vital the correct application of TOMS is for your business. Where TOMS is a complication or a cost, we look to reach a better outcome either within TOMS (for example, considering the transport company scheme, or optimising a business’ in-house split), or in some cases outside of TOMS altogether.

Travel TOMS
Travel Tax

Travel Tax

Our Travel Tax Team works closely with you and our Travel Accounts & Audit Team to ensure we highlight opportunities many travel businesses overlook and pitfalls to avoid. These range from rewarding and incentivising your team with the right Employee Share Scheme to significant R&D Tax Relief refunds which we spearhead in the Travel Industry

We also have much experience in advising on VAT issues specifically affecting the travel industry such as TOMS.

Travel Accounts & Auditing

You work in a highly regulated industry which is always in the spotlight. A specialist sector requires specialist expertise and knowledge. When it comes to understanding the Travel Industry, our Accounts and Audit team is second to none. In fact, our clients call them the A Team as their advice and added value input are exceptional.

Our ethos is to go beyond the numbers and you, as a client, are the centre of our world.

artem-verbo-zHg5TXgVoGQ-unsplash
Corporate Finance

Corporate Finance

Our corporate finance experts are good people to have in your corner for any business acquisition, fundingrequirement, or management buyout. Our hugely experienced heavy hitters will support you every step of the journey, and keep you one step ahead of the competition, so you can embark on suitable deals with confidence.

Travel Events

We run a series of events throughout the year for our clients and guests, in addition to delivering many for leading trade associations, including ABTA, AITO, ETOA, BETA, UKinbound, ABTOI, Advantage Travel Partnership and the Bespoke Travel Group.

Travel Events

Travel FAQS

In the words of two of our clients:

‘Having been an Arthur Anderson auditor myself, I was drawn to Elman Wall Xeinadin Group as Travel Industry specialist accountants and I could see that we would benefit from a value added service….Most accountants and even tax specialists don’t understand the EU Package Holiday Directive or TOMS. These are crucial to our business. And it all comes down to trust and ethos too.’Dimitri Patrikios, MD, Ionian Island Holidays & Aegean Island Holidays

‘Changing accountants is a bit like changing banks – is it worth the hassle? For many years we used a medium sized regional accountancy practice and to be fair to them they did a great job and we had a great relationship with the team. Eventually we decided to take the leap and move to Elman Wall Xeinadin Group as we wanted to benefit from their in-depth industry knowledge – this move was 100% hassle free and because they instantly understood our business they were able to make recommendations straight away. Their guidance and support has been invaluable to both the business and myself. My only regret is not changing  years earlier! Elman Wall Xeinadin Group really do feel the heartbeat of the business!’ Steve Eccles, Managing Director, Vintage Travel

Very simple and straightforward. Simply advise your current auditors and leave the rest up to us. We will correspond with your previous auditors and obtain all the necessary information we need according to standard accountancy industry practice. You don’t need to worry about any embarrassment or handle this yourselves.

No. We believe that we charge fairly and competitively for the high quality work we perform and the service we give. We offer fixed, all-inclusive annual fees for our Audit service, paid monthly, and upfront transparent quotes for other services. You will never receive a ‘surprise’ bill from us. All our clients receive unlimited telephone and email support and we are always happy to act as a sounding board for you or your organisation. Should any issue require the undertaking of specific work, advice or specialist input, we will tell you in advance and agree costs. Moreover, we frequently identify money saving opportunities for both our business and personal clients. We aim to be an asset not an overhead, an investment not a cost. Why not give us the opportunity to provide you with a no-obligation, proposal for your consideration?

Not necessarily. We believe that we charge fairly and competitively for the high quality work we perform and the service we give. And as travel specialists, with a fully integrated tax division, we frequently identify money saving opportunities for our clients. Many of our clients consider us an asset and not an overhead. Why not give us the opportunity to provide you with a no obligation, proposal for your consideration? We offer fixed fees for our Audit Service and upfront transparent quotes for other services. Our clients never receive ‘surprise’ bills! We believe that you get a whole lot more from us, as travel specialists, compared to similar fees charged by generalist practices.

Technically you can disengage us at any time, so you are not tied in at all. However, we rarely lose clients. Fee increases will be modest, reasonable and preagreed with you, subject, of course to the nature of our work remaining similar and your business structure staying the same.

We can be as flexible as you like. You can consult our highly praised Tax Team on a business or personal level, with or without an Audit service, use us as Business Consultants for one-off projects or simply become a Personal Client with our Financial Planning Team. The choice is yours.

Our founding directors left big name firms to run a specialist boutique firm offering a more personal, client focused approach. This remains our ethos today. We are committed to combining excellent service and professionalism with specialist Travel Industry expertise, second to none. And our clients tell us that they appreciate the easy and regular access they enjoy to our Directors. PLCs may need and prefer the kudos of working with big name firms. But why pay ‘big boy’ fees if you really don’t have to.

Yes. The better we know you and your business, the more we can help. All of our directors are fully accessible to you for advisory matters. And we fully appreciate the importance of continuity in day to day relationships for you at all levels. Your company’s Audit will be assigned to one of our Senior Auditors and they will personally liaise and coordinate the Audit with you and your team annually. We try to send the same Audit team members into your offices each year to build up friendly and professional relationships with you and your staff. Our Tax and Financial Planning Teams take the same highly personalised approach. You will always know who is looking after you and your business and can rest assured that they are fully up to speed on all your issues at all times.

No. We are very happy to come and talk to you wherever you are located. Although many of our clients are based within or just outside the M25 corridor, we have others located all over the UK and, indeed, some which are run from foreign shores. Located in Bank, clients from outside London often make other business or social engagements around visits to us and, subject to availability, are welcome to use our office for their own meetings too.

We act for a truly diverse range of travel organisers across many market sectors. Our expertise covers major and specialist tour operators, large retail agencies, travel management companies, event organisers and more. Our clients include leading cruise retailers, destination specialist operators, coach, school, sailing, ski and golf specialists, to name but a few. And as a Travel Industry Partner of organisations like ABTA, AITO, ABTOT, ABTOI, BETA, ENGLISHUK, ETOA, STF and UKINBOUD, with close links to GTMC and retail groups like The Advantage Travel Partnership, we make it our business to keep up to date with your business, whatever market sector you operate in.

As a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, Elman Wall is bound by the strictest rules of client confidentiality. Whilst we are at the cutting edge of the Travel Industry regulatory and business issues, you can rest assured that you and your business will never be discussed with another travel business. If we breached your confidence and trust, we would have at least as much to lose as you, so we are highly mindful of this.

Most of our clients have come to us through word of mouth recommendation and we have worked very hard to build up the excellent reputation which we enjoy in the Travel Industry today. You can rest assured that we will do everything in our power to ensure that you are delighted with our service and we want you to become one of our industry fans.

My experience of Elman Wall prior to joining you as an Audit client was that you demonstrated good customer relations and communication. Since becoming a client those relations have moved up two more notches and I am looking forward to dealing with you all for a very long time! I wish to goodness I had taken you on as auditors 2 years ago.... “Big mistake....big mistake...huge!!!!”

Keith Sharkey

Former Chairman, Halsbury Travel Group

They are aware of the pressure points of the business and frequently lend a sympathetic and supportive ear. Their advice has been invaluable. Their costs are realistic and there are never any nasty surprises, because they forewarn of any extra charges. The staff at Elman Wall are just great [...] They are extremely professional, but very friendly, at the same time.

Annie Long

Owner, Best Trulli

We decided to move to Elman Wall as we wanted to benefit from their in-depth industry knowledge - this move was 100% hassle-free and because they instantly understood our business, they were able to make recommendations straight away. Their guidance and support has been invaluable. My only regret is not changing to Elman Wall years earlier! Elman Wall really do feel the heartbeat of the business!

Steve Eccles

Managing Director, Vintage Travel

We moved to Elman Wall from a smaller, non-specialist accountancy firm because our business has grown over the last 15 years and we wanted experts that could help us in all manners of travel-related accounting. We have a great relationship with Ian, he works very closely with us and I also like the fact that you do my personal tax, which makes it easy for me... everything's in one place.

Jonny Bealby

CEO, Wild Frontiers

I love working with Xeinadin Travel. [...] My number one reason is the people. Jonathan is a fabulous confidant, he's always ready to listen, he's always got some great advice...as do Yasin and Russell. They are very personable, nothing's too much trouble. [...] They are my go-to whenever I have any financial concerns and they are also a great support. Highly recommend them.

Suzanne Horner

CEO, Gray Dawes Travel

They have always been extremely well-informed and their work has always been on time and efficient, and most importantly they are friendly, erudite, and a delight to work with.

Andy Sturt

Founder & Managing Director, VIP Ski

They have gone the extra mile in offering added value services, yielding tangible savings or other commercial benefits for our business.

Mel Childs

Finance Director, Reader Offers Limited

They make themselves available at every level throughout the practise, ensuring they are always on hand when we need them, alongside their team of inhouse experts means we have one point of call for all our needs

Julia Lo Bue-Said

CEO, The Advantage Travel Partnership

Yasin and his team are brilliant at handling our queries, providing clear advice and guidance in a prompt and efficient manner. We would not hesitate to recommend their services

Teresa Barker

Finance Director, The Group Company 

We changed our auditors to Elman Wall a few years ago, as our previous accountant did not have specific travel industry experience. It was the best thing we could have done. The staff at Elman Wall are friendly, helpful and professional and, most importantly, completely understand our needs.

Marilyn Roberts

Financial Director, Jetline Travel

Since our move to Elman Wall we have found they know our market better and can guide us on tax matters and many other areas of the business; something essential in this current volatile marketplace. We would recommend them to other travel companies and I am happy to endorse their services.

Tim Johnson

Managing Director, Club Europe

Elman Wall has been our auditor and tax advisor since 2006 and has always provided us with great service. They understand us as a client and they understand the travel industry. They are a pleasure to work with and we look forward to the next audit!

Lawrence Comber

Head of Finance, Trailfinders

We have been with Elman Wall for 15 years, since our humble beginning. They have bought a depth of knowledge to our business helping us every step of the way with our development. I would highly recommend them to any business.

Dimitri Patrikios

Managing Director, Ionian Island Holidays Ltd

Receiving advice from the best in the business is always reassuring and Elman Wall have gone the extra mile to steer us.

Will Jones

Managing Director, Journeys by Design

Elman Wall Xeinadin Group have been our auditors since we started. They have always 'been there' for us and we welcome their views on the critical decisions we need to make.

Mark Hartshorne

Managing Director, Gold Crest Holidays Limited

The expertise within their audit team enables us to keep focused on our success strategy.

Julia Lo Bue-Said

CEO, Advantage Travel Partnership Group

They are always my first port of call on all things financial and tax. They are always proactive, professional, and helpful.

Ade Taiwo

Finance Director, Global Travel Collection UK

It is refreshing to find an Audit Team that has such a good understanding of our industry.

Noel Josephides

Chairman Sunvil Holiday Group & ABTA

Learn more about our services

Accounts

Annual Audit

Payroll