Award

International Study Tour 2026 -Toulouse

CARDIFF UNIVERSITY

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

27 Nov 2025 at 16:11

Summary of the contracting process

This public procurement process, managed by Cardiff University, involves the development and execution of an International Study Tour to Toulouse, scheduled for March 2026. The procurement, categorised under "Supporting and auxiliary transport services; travel agencies services," is aimed at enriching students' learning through international exposure. Based in Cardiff, the buying organisation utilised a limited procurement method under the "Below threshold - limited competition" approach, following Welsh devolved regulations. The award was made to NST TRAVEL GROUP LIMITED, announced on 24th November 2025, with a total gross contract value of £47,160, highlighting Cardiff University's commitment to ensuring quality and timely procurement align with their educational objectives.

This tender provides a significant business growth opportunity for companies specialised in educational group travel, particularly those adhering to financial protection standards like ABTA and ATOL. Businesses that can offer competitive pricing, robust risk management, sustainability initiatives, and dedicated customer service would find themselves well-positioned to compete. The procurement focused on the specialist nature of the service and the necessity for continuity and reliability, suggesting that firms with proven expertise and a track record in this sector, particularly SMEs, could leverage such opportunities to expand their operations and establish enduring partnerships with educational institutions.

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Notice Title

International Study Tour 2026 -Toulouse

Notice Description

This Procurement Plan outlines the rationale and process for awarding a direct contract to StudyLink Tours for the provision of an International Study Tour to Toulouse in March 2026. The tour is designed to support Cardiff University's educational objectives by providing students with an immersive international learning experience aligned with their academic curriculum. StudyLink Tours has been selected due to its proven expertise in organizing educational group travel, compliance with ABTA and ATOL financial protection standards, and robust risk management framework, including audited accommodation and transport providers. The supplier offers preferential group rates, sustainability measures such as carbon offsetting, and a dedicated Account Executive to ensure continuity and quality of service. This document details the estimated contract value, key stakeholders, funding arrangements, and risk considerations, ensuring transparency and adherence to Cardiff University's procurement policies. The direct award approach is justified by the specialist nature of the service, the need for continuity, and the time-sensitive nature of securing flights and accommodation at competitive rates.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05ea7b
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/077831-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Limited
Procurement Method Details
Below threshold - limited competition
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

63 - Supporting and auxiliary transport services; travel agencies services


CPV Codes

63000000 - Supporting and auxiliary transport services; travel agencies services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£39,300 Under £100K
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
27 Nov 20252 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
24 Nov 20253 months ago
Contract Period
23 Mar 2026 - 27 Mar 2026 30 days
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
CARDIFF UNIVERSITY
Contact Name
Mateusz Piorczynski
Contact Email
piorczynskim@cardiff.ac.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
CARDIFF
Postcode
CF24 4HQ
Post Town
Cardiff
Country
Wales

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLL Wales
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLL5 South East Wales
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLL52 Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Cardiff
Electoral Ward
Cathays
Westminster Constituency
Cardiff South and Penarth

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

NST TRAVEL GROUP

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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