Stanley Tollman |
| Chairman and Founder The Travel Corporation |
Stanley Tollman Brief Bio
Having reached the golden age of 80 years, Stanley Tollman has built up a lifetime of accomplishments in the world of travel, tourism and hospitality services. Born into a family that was already working in the travel and hotel industry, Stanley learned at a young age to appreciate the importance of providing high quality and personalized services. As global travel services are constantly changing with the times, his family continues to play a significant role in creating travel plans that put the customer at the forefront.
Early Entry into the Hospitality Business
When Stanley Tollman was born his parents owned the Palace Hotel in Johannesburg, South Africa as well as a restaurant. Naturally, when he was studying in university and needed a part time job he went to work in The Palace’s kitchen. His first foray into the food and beverage service was a positive one and eventually he became manager of the restaurant.
Next, Stanley Tollman began his own entry into the South African hotel business. First, he leased a building in Johannesburg and transformed it into the Nugget Hotel. As its success grew, he opened The Hyde Park Hotel and three restaurants, known as The Colony, The Contented Sole and The Hydaway. He also established South Africa's first discotheque called The Stable. The Hyde Park Hotel was a boutique hotel, the first of its kind in SA, and provided elegant dining and entertainment similar to a supper club. Internationally famous entertainers, including Trini Lopez and Petula Clark, performed there as well as the restaurant's own house band.
At the time that Stanley Tollman built the Tollman Towers Hotel, it was the tallest structure in the country and was singled out as one of the world's best hotels. He continued building his conglomerate with the investment in Court Hotels, which included a real estate firm and hotel. Everything was going well until the Yom Kippur war in the Middle East broke out and caused interest rates to soar. He suffered major financial losses and consequently moved to the UK where his family owned part of Trafalgar Tours, a travel company, and the Montcom Hotel.
Rebuilding Business in the UK
From those simple beginnings in the UK, Stanley Tollman continued to grow his business holdings. Today he is chairman of the travel conglomerate that he founded, The Travel Corporation. TTC is an international organization that includes 25 unique travel companies including tour operators, river cruise companies, boutique hotels and general travel services. Trafalgar Tours is included in that list as well as Contiki Holidays, Red Carnation Hotels, Creative Holidays and Uniworld.
Boosting Tourism and Contributing to South Africa
In 2010, The Travel Corporation honored Stanley Tollman’s 80th birthday by holding its annual international sales conference in South Africa. During the course of the event he reconfirmed his commitment to South African foundations through announcing generous donations to several charitable organizations including the Desmond Tutu Peace Center, the Make a Difference Foundation and The Amy Biehl Foundation. He also supports the arts in Africa through a special award created by the Tollman family.
A Life in Food
Stanley Tollman and his wife, Bea, share an appreciation for high quality cuisine and specialty wines. In her book, A Life in Food, she shares some of their cooking secrets and recipes accumulated over the years working together in the hotel industry.