AN early Christmas present has saved up to 100 travel industry jobs in Bolton.

Just two months ago travel giants Saga had all but pulled the plug on Lostock-based luxury tours outfit Destinology.

One of a number of efforts to sell the Hall Lane firm, which it first acquired in 2014, had fallen through.

But now the Hercules Business Park company has been taken over by Brooklyn Travel Holdings.

Half the workforce and the headquarters have been bought up as a result of the deal, which has brought in travel industry guru Ryan Johnston to oversee their revival.

The former World Travel Holdings sales and operations boss has become Destinology’s new managing director.

Mr Johnston, who has also held senior posts at Airtours and MyTravel, said: “Destinology is a wonderful brand and I am delighted to be given the opportunity to lead a fantastic team in Bolton.

“Brooklyn Travel’s commitment to providing high-quality products through world-class service aligned perfectly with my own values and experience.

“Destinology has a very bright future and I look forward to the journey that is ahead”.

The new owner of the Bolton tour operator is also behind Stewart Travel, the Glasgow-based high street chain, London’s Canterbury Travel and Villa Select, in Warwickshire.

Duncan Wilson, their group chief executive, added: “Destinology has forged an enviable and unrivalled reputation based on outstanding customer service which has always been reinforced by offering magnificent luxury products at the top end of the market.

“We intend and are fully committed to developing and further enhancing that reputation with Ryan key to the implementation of our aspirations which will see Destinology restored to its former glory.

“We are mindful of the recent difficult times within Destinology, however, we are tremendously excited with the opportunities that are ahead of us.”

Mr Wilson confirmed that the company would continue to be based in Bolton, with the possibility that the Lostock base could become a location from which other travel outfits are one day run.

Brooklyn expects the travel industry to experience a resurgence in early 2021 as pandemic pressures ease.