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

Cardiff University has completed the awarding of a contract titled "International Study Tour 2026 – Toulouse" under a limited procurement process. The contract pertains to the services industry, specifically supporting and auxiliary transport services, and travel agency services. Cardiff University, located in Cardiff, UK, utilised a direct award approach to select NST Travel Group Limited, based in Blackpool, UK, due to their expertise in educational group travel. The contract covers activities in March 2026, with key project dates listed between the 23rd and 27th of March. The procurement adhered to Welsh devolved regulations and was based on a single bid, reflecting the limited competition nature of the procurement method.

This tender presents significant business growth opportunities for SMEs, particularly those specialising in educational travel and related services. Businesses with robust risk management frameworks, including compliance with ABTA and ATOL standards and offerings like carbon offsetting, are well-positioned to benefit. Such opportunities align with businesses focused on providing immersive learning experiences through travel, which aligns with educational objectives in academic curriculums. This contract highlights the importance of maintaining quality, continuity of service, and securing competitive rates, making it an attractive prospect for companies with established relationships in the educational travel sector.

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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-05ea7c
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/077832-2025
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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