AN EDINBURGH hospitality institution has announced the launch of its first travel agency.

Surgeons Quarter’s newest venture, Surgeon’s Quarter Travel, will add to their events and conferences business by arranging global travel for conference delegates, experienced surgeons and members of the public.

By developing its own in-house processes, Surgeons Quarter Travel will organise flights, accommodation and transport for surgeons carrying out examinational work on behalf of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd).

The 48,000 delegates attending the 2,000 events held annually across Surgeons Quarter’s four venues can also request to have their travel needs arranged.

Scott Mitchell, Managing Director at Surgeons Quarter, said: “Many of our surgeons travel frequently for exams and educational purposes – it makes sense to coordinate all of their travel and accommodation in a more streamlined way.

“We also have tens of thousands of delegates visiting our venues each year, so we can now provide a unique all-round service that will include transport to Edinburgh, accommodation and events.”

Former Guest Services Manager Justin MacKenzie has transitioned across from Surgeons Quarter’s Ten Hill Place Hotel to head up the new agency as Surgeons Quarter Travel Manager.

Justin said: “I’ve always had a passion for travel so I’m extremely excited to get back into this side of the industry.

“Having already worked in the travel and tourism industry for 12 years in Spain, I feel like I’m going back to my roots in a way.

“It has been a great experience being so involved in the start of an entirely new side to the Surgeons Quarter business. Helping to develop Surgeons Quarter Travel has been so rewarding, I’m looking forward to getting our first lot of surgeons booked in for their next trip!”

Justin is joined by Caroline Massie and Lawrie King, formerly of Key Travel, Edinburgh, to create a highly experienced team.

Surgeons Quarter Travel will be using systems provided by Hays Travel Independence Group. The team undertook an in-depth training course in late 2019 at the Hays Travel head office in Sunderland.

Eight members of Surgeons Quarter staff and qualified plastic surgeon, Honorary Secretary to the College Dr Judy Evans undertook an intense week of training on the Hays booking systems to develop example packages.

Scott added: “Anything that helps our surgeons to improve patient outcomes worldwide makes complete sense as a new business venture.

“It’s an exciting time for us all – there are endless possibilities and opportunities for Surgeons Quarter Travel.”

Surgeons Quarter Travel is now arranging bookings for members of the public, contactable at 0131 527 1737 or travel@surgeonsquarter.com.

Surgeons Quarter promotes, sells and manages all commercial activities held within the RCSEd campus, with profits made going towards the College’s charitable objectives of improving surgical standards and patient outcomes worldwide.