Skyscanner tops for travel in Sunday Times profit track

Travel search firm Skyscanner has been listed as the third most successful private company in the UK for profit growth.

Travel search firm Skyscanner has been listed as the third most successful private company in the UK for profit growth.

The Edinburgh-based travel search engine saw a three-year average increase in profit of almost 140%, according to the latest Sunday Times/BDO Profit Track 100 league table after its app was downloaded more than 30 million times.

River cruise and escorted tours specialist Riviera Travel came 20th in the league table with average profit growth over three years of almost 86%.

Other travel companies featured in the top 100 include Hampshire theme park Paultons Park in 18th position, coach operator Edwards Coaches (29th), travel service provider Totalstay – recently acquired by Jac Travel – (41st), hotel company Principal Hayley (59th) and tourist smartcard developer Leisure Pass Group (88th).

TotalStay chief executive Peter Clements said: “We have always been focused on building the business in a sustainable way, with profitability as the key driver, and it’s great to receive public recognition for our efforts.

“2015 is off to a great start and we are looking forward to building upon our recent success with our new owners at JacTravel.”