Cathy Thurlow

Posted February 4, 2020

Cathy Thurlow

Tour Co-ordinator

Having grown up in South Africa but with family in England, I was lucky enough to travel quite a bit as a child. I definitely developed the travel bug and when asked at age 12 what I wanted to be doing in the year 2000, I said working for a Tour Operator.

Joining Venatour last year means I have finally achieved that goal… better late than never! My many years of experience in the hotel and conference industry, along with my digital marketing experience has equipped me well for this role.

Growing up in the sunshine gave me the opportunity to play tennis which was a favourite family activity. Spending every weekend and all my school holidays on the tennis court means I achieved a reasonable standard and gave my competitive spirit free reign. The excitement and angst of my dad’s passion for football was an ever-present aspect of my childhood, and supporting the Boks also featured heavily. My allegiances are little more fluid now depending on the situation!

A holiday highlight was a trip taken in 2014 to the West Coast of the USA. Visiting the many iconic American sites including Death Valley and Yosemite is something myself and my children talk about often including the drama of the earthquake in San Francisco! Their passion for travel has been well and truly ignited.

Barbara and I had a wonderful weekend in Dublin with Venatour. We have been to Dublin many times for Six Nations matches but never with Venatour. The hotel was ideal because of it's nearness to the ground and numerous restaurants. We found our tour guides very friendly and helpful. Our fellow supporters were also very friendly and pleasant. A thoroughly enjoyable trip despite the result! We hope to travel with Venatour to future matches.
Alan & Barbara Barker 6 Nations 2017, Ireland v England
Just wanted to say a big thank you for organising our Rugby tour this year. Everything worked as planned and we all had a fantastic time. The hotel was just at the level required, bar below was enjoyed by all. Breakfast at the hotel followed by pasta at both the clubs and Pizza on Saturday night all delicious. Your associates on the ground in Italy where very nice and helpful and on time. Our hosts at both clubs welcomed us and the boys played some great rugby at a very competitive level. As you know the success of a tour is really the bonding experience that happens in all directions and I have to say this tour achieved it. Smiley tired happy faces left Gatwick on our return with a great appreciation for Rugby and its Family. Well done and thankyou from all of us at Chobham RFC Colts for helping to make this tour a success.
Kevin, Mark & Conor Chobham RFC