Big Bus Tours has been operating London’s premier open-top sightseeing tour for nineteen years.
The Company was formed in 1991 by Richard, Eleanor and Desmond Maybury. Starting with only two buses, their focus upon customer service, entertainment and passionate local knowledge enabled the company to flourish. becoming one of the largest open-top bus tour operators in the world, now with 80 buses in London alone.
In 2002 the company began an operation in Dubai and now boasts 46 buses in its Dubai fleet. In 2003 the company opened in Philadelphia in partnership with Philadelphia Trolley Works.
Still predominantly owned by the Maybury family, in 2007 the company announced an investment partnership with the UAE based Al Fahim Group which has enabled the company to broaden its horizons further.
In December 2008 the Big Bus launched the first of its Far East operations in Hong Kong and in November 2009 increased its presence within the UAE with the launch of the Big Bus Sightseeing Tour of Abu Dhabi. 2010 has already seen the launch of the Big Bus Sightseeing Tour of Shanghai, with more destinations planned for later in the year.
In every location Big Bus Tours looks to enhance the visitor sightseeing experience by providing added value. Walking Tours have been a successful inclusion in London, and boat cruises have proven popular additions to the Big Bus experience in both London, Dubai, Hong Kong and Shanghai.
In London, the burgundy and cream liveried buses have become part of the London Landscape. The Bus Tour has won three awards at the Visit London annual awards ceremonies and was nominated for Best Tourism Experience in 2009.
Big Bus is currently planning further expansion in Europe, the Middle and Far East, and welcomes all enquiries about possible franchise or joint venture opportunities.