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Obituary: Great Experience Travel’s David Gambier ‘always loved his work’

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David Gambier, the founder and managing director of Witney travel agency Great Experience Travel, died on Wednesday after a short illness.

He founded the agency in 2007 and began trading in Witney in 2008.

His career began as a ski guide with Neilson in 1981, where he became reservations and administration manager for the group.

He also had senior roles with Sportsworld, dealing with travel to Olympic Games, football World Cups, Commonwealth Games and other UK and international sports championships.

In a tribute on the agency’s Facebook page, Great Experience Travel told clients: “Even when times as a business owner were tough, he always loved his work and relished the opportunity it gave him to bring his extraordinary knowledge of the world to thousands upon thousands of you, our wonderful clients.

“He was nonetheless astonished by how successfully Great Experience Travel has bounced back from the Covid pandemic and was immensely grateful to you all for your support of the agency.”

The statement also said: “David’s daughter, Daniella, was with him when he slipped away peacefully and had spent the day with him in the hospital singing and reading to him. The last words he heard were her saying ‘I love you’. There was never a time they parted ways, or even put the phone down to each other, without saying those words.”

The statement hailed his “incredible” team – Mandy Morris, Sally Crierie, Amy Ahyan, Sarah Salter and Martin – who continue to look after Great Experience Travel with “passion and love”.

“He always felt so privileged to work with such kind and supportive people, including those of you who used to work in the office, and all of the suppliers and contacts he had such excellent relationships with,” said the statement.

“As are David and Daniella’s wishes, there will not be a funeral service. Instead, Dani asks you to think of David when you look back on photos of your cherished holidays, and remember how his memory and eye for detail were unparalleled, as was his ability to tell a story – and boy did he love telling a story!

“Dani will see him in every beautiful view she ever looks out to, especially those of the mountains that meant so much to her and her parents. Please raise a glass to our dear David.”

She has asked that any donations in memory of David are made to Macmillan Cancer Support.

• Gary Wardrope, chief executive of Ortharize and founder of Get Travelling, met David almost 40 years ago in Mayrhofen, Austria, when they were both working with Neilson.

David was an area manager – speaking fluent French and German – and Gary was a trainee manager working with travel agents.

They became friends and kept in touch over the years, supporting each other when they set up their own businesses around 2008.

“He could really talk – he would put me to shame,” recalled Gary. “He made us laugh talking about Austria and on a transfer going past a place called Going, said that’s Going, going, gone.”

“He was a great guy and loved his music. He was a classical pianist too.

“The agency was very successful and came out of Covid very well, with Mandy and the staff.”

Gary regularly visited David in hospital and last saw him on Friday.

• Julie Franklin, head of agency sales at Inghams, said David was “a genuinely lovely person”.

She recalled how he had a “soft spot” for the operator as daughter Dani had worked for Inghams as a resort rep in Austria.

“He always had a story to tell, and always had time for you – we had lots of ski chats,” she said.

“He was one of the good guys and ran such a good agency – they always have a lot of support from operators. It’s really sad news.”

She said his wife Debbie had died suddenly in January and she’d been in touch with him recently to ask how he was, when she discovered that he was ill.

Main picture: David Gambier with daughter Daniella

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Airport set to launch flights to sunshine isle.

David Gambier, left, managing director of Great Experience Travel, and Oxford Ai<span class="truncate"><span class="truncate-preview">rport business devel<span class="truncate-full-screen">opment manager James Dillon-Godfray</span></span></span>

SUNSEEKERS will be able to fly from Oxfordshire to Mallorca this summer following the launch of a new service.

A 50-seat aircraft will fly once a week from Oxford Airport, in Kidlington, from mid-June to the end of September.

The new route to the Balearic island will be run jointly by the airport and the Witney-based Great Experience Travel Group. Prices are expected to start at about £395 return per person.

Airport business development manager James Dillon-Godfray said: “We’re thrilled to add this new service in partnership with Great Experience Travel.

“We are certain it will be very popular and the feedback from suppliers in Mallorca has been terrific.

“This means we are able to offer some great and varied deals this summer which will suit a range of budgets.”

Departures will leave the Langford Lane airport at 9.30am and arrive at Mallorca’s capital, Palma, by 1.15pm.

Planes will leave the island at 2.15pm and arrive in Oxford at 4pm.

David Gambier, managing director of Great Experience Travel Group, said: “We are delighted to be introducing this beautiful Mediterranean summer destination, direct from Oxford Airport.

“There are no longer any scheduled flights to Palma from London Heathrow so this offering will be especially attractive for travellers from the Thames Valley.

“We are working with a renowned local ground agent to create some wonderful summer experiences.”

He said the airport is “hassle-free” as it is mostly used by private flights Mr Gambier added: “If you compare these flights with a budget airline flying from Birmingham in the middle of the night, we obviously can’t match that.

“But we fly at reasonable hours and if you add up the cost of travelling to other airports, parking and food on your flight, we are quite reasonable.

“Plus there will only ever be 44 people on board, with plenty of space and leather seats.”

Last March Swiss carrier Baboo announced it was recommencing weekly Saturday flights to Geneva from December to Easter 2011 but these never began.

In February 2010, 23-year-old entrepreneur Martin Halstead, dubbed ‘Baby Branson’, launched Varsity Express, which offered daily flights between Oxford and Edinburgh.

But the service was grounded after just a week, leaving passengers and a pilot stranded in the Scottish capital.

Thames Valley Police launched an investigation into alleged “fraudulent activities”, but dropped the enquiry in the summer.

Mr Halstead always vigorously denied his firm did anything wrong.

The new flights will be available from Monday at Great Experience Travel, in Waterloo Walk, Witney, on 08451 222640 or at by logging on at oxfordairporttravel.co.uk They will also be offered by independent travel agents, but not from chains like Thomas Cook.

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At Great Experience Travel, we are passionate about making sure everyone has the holiday of their dreams! Our team of experts is here to make sure you have an unforgettable experience.

No matter where you want to go, We are here to make sure that your travel experience is a great one.

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We’re passionate travellers who combine our expertise and experience to create unforgettable trips! We’ve brought together a team of travel experts, who plan the right holiday for you with our extensive tour operator partner network. When you book with us, you can rest assured that we’ll look after every detail of your journey.

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Great Experience Travel we believe that there is a holiday for everyone. It’s just a matter of finding the right vacation fit for you. That’s where we come in! Our team of experts is always on hand to help you find your dream holiday, no matter your budget or destination.

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If it isn’t convenient for you to come to the office to see us, we have chosen some favourite partners for holidays, flights, accommodation, villas and extras that can all be booked now online at the same great prices as you will be offered by the team in person. Also, if you want to get a quote for some travel insurance or wish to prebook your currency, then we now offer these services as well.

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OXF announces new route to Palma de Mallorca

Posted 04/02/2011 15:42

Eastern Airways to fly OXF-PMI route weekly from June

London Oxford Airport welcomes new summer flights to Palma, Mallorca

Oxford Airport Travel teams with Eastern Airways for the route

London Oxford Airport is preparing to welcome new, direct weekly holiday flights to the popular Balearic Island of Mallorca from mid-June through to the end of September.  Services will be operated every Saturday morning by Eastern Airways, the 13-year old award-winning regional airline, using quiet and fuel efficient Saab 2000 50-seat aircraft.    

The flights are running in co-operation with leading Oxfordshire-based Great Experience Travel Group, under a new Oxford Airport Travel brand.    Details of seat only prices and a wide range of holiday packages featuring family-friendly hotels, upscale Mallorcan properties and desirable private villas,  plus all the concierge services needed to make for an extra special holiday, go on sale on Valentine’s Day, 14 February.   

Oxford Air Travel is inviting customers interested in these scheduled charter services - be it seat only, 7, 14 or even 21-day holidays to register at www.oxfordairporttravel.co.uk, telephone 0845 1222640 or email [email protected].

“We are delighted to be introducing this beautiful Mediterranean summer destination, direct from Oxford Airport,” said David Gambier, Great Experience Travel Group Managing Director.  “There are no longer any scheduled flights to Palma from London Heathrow so I am certain we have a success on our hands with this initiative.  We are working with a renowned local ground agent, Balearic Discovery, to create some wonderful summer experiences and combined with flying from this airport’s superb hassle-free Oxfordjet terminal, usually frequented by private aviation clientele, passengers are ensured an exclusive Mallorca experience."

David Surley, Head of Customer Services and Route Development at Oxford Airport added:  “We are thrilled to add this new service in partnership with Great Experience Travel.  We are certain it will be very popular and the feedback from suppliers in Mallorca has been terrific.  This means we are able to offer some great and varied deals this summer which will suit a range of budgets - and all from your local airport.”

Chris Holliday, Eastern Airways’ Chief Operating Officer, said: “We are pleased to support Great Experience Travel Company’s tour operator programme from Oxford Airport by providing our Saab 2000 aircraft to meet the expected demand for the summer season.  Our convenient charter service will ensure passengers reach Palma non-stop in comfort and style from Oxford in 2 hours 45 minutes.”

Flight timings are as follows:

Flight No EZE1091 Depart Oxford at 0930, arriving Palma, Mallorca 1315

Flight No EZE1092 Depart Palma at 415, arriving Oxford 1600.

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Condolences to family and friends on the passing of David Gambier at Great Experience Travel.

David Gambier, an employee at Great Experience Travel in Witney, has passed away. Witney Letterbox expressed their condolences to Gambier’s family, friends, and colleagues.

All of us at Witney Letterbox were saddened to hear of the passing of David Gambier at Great Experience Travel, Witney and send our condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. — West Oxfordshire Letterbox (@WitneyLetterbox) September 21, 2023

David Gambier, a well-respected figure in the travel industry, has passed away at Great Experience Travel in Witney. The news of his demise has left the entire team at Witney Letterbox in deep sorrow and mourning, as they extend their heartfelt condolences to his grieving family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.

David Gambier was an esteemed member of the Great Experience Travel family, known for his dedication, passion, and expertise in the field. With many years of experience under his belt, he had become an invaluable asset to the company, leaving an indelible mark on the travel industry in Witney and beyond.

Born and raised in Oxfordshire, David developed a deep appreciation for exploring new places and experiencing different cultures from a young age. It was this love for discovery that led him to pursue a career in the travel sector, where he excelled and carved out a niche for himself.

Unfortunately, the cause of David Gambier’s untimely passing remains unknown at this time. As the news of his death was shared on social media by Witney Letterbox, details surrounding the circumstances leading to his demise have not been disclosed. The shock of his sudden departure has left many in the community seeking answers and mourning the loss of a beloved figure.

David’s colleagues and friends remember him as a kind-hearted individual who always went above and beyond to ensure the best experiences for his clients. His dedication and commitment to his work were evident in the countless successful trips he organized and the countless lives he touched along the way.

The travel industry in Witney has undeniably lost a true professional, and the void left by David Gambier’s passing will be difficult to fill. His legacy will continue to inspire and influence future generations in the travel sector, as his memory lives on through the countless memories he helped create for travelers.

As the community mourns the loss of David Gambier, it is a time to reflect on the impact he had and the imprint he left behind. May his family, friends, and colleagues find solace during this challenging period, knowing that his contributions to the industry and his warm spirit will never be forgotten..

All of us at Witney Letterbox were saddened to hear of the passing of David Gambier at Great Experience Travel, Witney and send our condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. — West Oxfordshire Letterbox (@WitneyLetterbox) September 21, 2023

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David Gambier

By: adminboss | Published on: Jun 29, 2019 | Categories: |

Bio : David Gambier – Owner and Managing Director of Great Experience Travel. Over 35 years in the travel industry as an agent and tour operator

Areas of special expertise : Ski & Winter Sports, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Japan.

Recent destination visits : India, Lapland, Austria, Iceland

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A cracking time in Rajestan …>>

Austrialia is great value with new Emirates route…>>

Austria comes of age in ski-touring…>>

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We catch up with David Gambier from Great Experience Travel in Witney to talk about Summer holidays, dream holidays, the World Cup and lots more.

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“Great Experience” Review of Cafe Pushkin

Amazing service, great ambience for a restaurant. I booked the table through tripadvisor, the table and wait was all ready for us when we arrived. Despite not speaking very much english, the waiter was very attentive and we felt looked after. We ordered the Borsch - beetroot with smoked goose and sour cream, and chebureki to start. For mains, we had Russian degustation and salmon dumplings. Cannot fault the meal or the service. In a place where even your handbag has a 'chair' definitely deserves recognition. We were invited to look around the restaurant after our meal. For dinner, we were sat in the 'pharmacy' on the ground floor, upstairs was the 'library'. The building was old and full of character, diners come in throughout the evenings, at midnight the place was still buzzing. Would highly recommend.

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Firstly, excellent food, with Russian cuisine prevailing. You can taste authentic borsch or mix fish soupe, yet dumplings stuffed with salmon, though called Russian, have a European touch. They also take care of the way a dish is served. What is hard to put up with is the prices - overstated. I will never understand why an exquisite dinner in Moscow costs twice as much as one in Lausanne or Brussels, for instance. Tip: Pick fresh cakes in their bakery next door!

Very good lunch. Must try the borscht, salmon pelmeni, the fried carp, sterlet and honeycake for dessert!

We have booked a table for 7 of us for Business lunch which is a set price for 2 or 3 dishes of your choice from a limited selection (5starter or 3 soups, 5 main course and 5 deserts). The choices were of the best and most well known russian food, so everyone could choose, even kids. The food quality is really superb. All of us had the best food for long. I will come back for sure.

This is a stylish, old fashioned and v.friendly Russian restaurant. Live music is unobtrusive and played by small chamber groups on each floor; the decor is charming(we were in the library which felt like a private house). The food is both delicious and not too expensive but the wine (as in any decent hotel or restaurant in Russia) is v.over-priced. Attentive and friendly service. A great place to eat.

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