On the Beach (onthebeach.co.uk) is a leading UK online travel agency specialising in ATOL-protected package holidays with low deposits and flexible payments. Founded in 2004 and listed on the London Stock Exchange in 2015 (ticker: OTB), the Manchester-based company dynamically packages flights, hotels, and transfers to offer competitive pricing and wide destination choice.
For FY2025, it reported ~£121.4 million in revenue and £8.6 million net income, serving around 1.7 million customers across top destinations including Spain, Greece, and Turkey.
Company History and Founding
On the Beach Group plc was founded in 2004 by entrepreneur Simon Cooper, who launched the business from a terraced house in Macclesfield. Having previously built and sold ski operator On the Piste to TUI Group in 2008, Cooper identified the growing potential of low-cost airlines and online hotel inventory. He introduced an asset-light, digital-first model that dynamically packaged flights, hotels, and transfers, eliminating the rigid brochures and high overheads of traditional tour operators.
Incorporated as On the Beach Limited (registered 1996, trading from 2004), the company scaled quickly and listed on the London Stock Exchange in 2015 as On the Beach Group plc (ticker: OTB), later entering the FTSE 250. Now headquartered in Manchester at its Aeroworks digital hub, the business has expanded beyond short-haul beach holidays into long-haul, city breaks, and premium travel. Strategic acquisitions, including Sunshine.co.uk (2017) and Classic Collection Holidays (2018), strengthened its market position. Today, the group employs more than 500 people, with a flexible and largely remote workforce.
Business Model and Offerings
On the Beach operates as an online travel agent (OTA), acting as an intermediary that searches and aggregates deals from third-party suppliers (airlines, hotels, transfer providers). Customers build their own packages, selecting flights, accommodations, and add-ons, often securing better value than pre-packaged tours.
The platform emphasizes beach holidays, with a strong focus on all-inclusive resorts, family-friendly options, couples’ escapes, and last-minute deals. Popular destinations include Spain (Majorca, Costa del Sol), Greece (Crete, Rhodes, Kos), Turkey (Antalya, Bodrum), Cyprus, Portugal, Morocco, and long-haul spots like Mexico’s Riviera Maya and the Canary Islands.
Key products include:
- All-Inclusive Holidays– Resorts with meals, drinks, kids’ clubs, pools, and waterparks.
- Cheap & Last-Minute Deals– From £99, with trending hotels like Dreams Playa Mujeres (Mexico) or Grecotel LUXME Kos (Greece).
- Family & Couples Packages– Tailored perks for groups or romantic getaways.
- 2026/2027 Holidays– Early bookings encouraged for best availability.
The site features user-friendly search tools, a mobile app, and live chat support.
Unique Features and Perks
On the Beach differentiates through customer-centric innovations:
- Low Deposits– From £19pp (or £30pp in some promotions).
- Fee-Free Flexible Payments– Spread costs monthly with no admin fees; options like Klarna “Pay in 3.”
- Price Drop Protection– If a cheaper identical holiday appears, customers get the difference credited.
- Holiday Perks– Exclusive extras like free upgrades, welcome gifts, or special experiences (e.g., recent tongue-in-cheek “Beckham clause” for family fallout refunds).
- Secure Trust Account– Money held safely until travel.
Financial protection is a cornerstone: All flight-inclusive packages are ATOL-protected (via On the Beach Travel Ltd, ATOL 11549), with ABTA membership (P8849) adding Code of Conduct assurance. This builds trust, especially post-pandemic.
Performance and Market Position
In recent years, On the Beach has shown strong recovery and growth. For the financial year ended September 30, 2025 (FY25), the group reported revenue around £121.4 million (per some sources) and net income of £8.6 million. It sent approximately 1.7 million customers on holidays in 2024, with ambitions to reach 3 million. The company remains profitable, cash-generative, and focused on tech innovation to challenge legacy operators.
Customer feedback is positive, with high Trustpilot ratings highlighting ease of booking, value, and support. As an independent, agile player with no ties to specific airlines or hotels, it offers unmatched choice and flexibility.
Why Choose On the Beach?
In a competitive market, On the Beach stands out for democratizing beach holidays, making sun, sea, and sand accessible without complexity or hidden costs. Its mission to become Europe’s most loved online beach holiday retailer drives a fun, approachable brand voice (“Holidays for booking geniuses”) while prioritizing protection and perks.
Whether planning a 2026 all-inclusive escape or a spontaneous getaway, On the Beach delivers value, security, and excitement.
