For immediate release        

Lauren Mackay has been appointed to the position of brand manager - Gap Year for Grown Ups at Real Gap.

In her new role Mackay will be responsible for the brand expansion and development of Gap Year for Grown Ups.

Previously working in product quality management, Mackay will focus on continuing the growth in the mature market.

Mackay says: “The speed at which Real Gap has grown has been amazing - we saw a 300% increase in Gap Year for Grown ups bookings over the last two years. I am delighted that this position will allow me to put my product management experience to good use in taking the business forward.”

Traditionally gap years have been perceived to be the domain of school leavers but the Gap Year for Grown Ups customer base is a different story. 61% are 25-50, 27% are over 50 and only 12% under 25.

Mackay adds: ““The market is constantly evolving and there is no average grown up traveller. More companies are realising the value of giving employees career breaks, retired people are feeling confident to travel further afield and many people just want to take a break and give something back.”

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Real Gap has expanded the original concept of “life-changing” travel opportunities, and now offers around 500 projects and gap year travel ideas covering 45 countries in over six continents.

Real Gap is the leading gap travel organiser offering the widest and most diverse range of programmes. These include: - volunteering, conservation, adventure travel and expeditions, sports, teaching English, round the world, paid working holidays and learning.