Meering - It all started with one local transfer
Sister company Beja Tours first saw the light of day in 1935, before Meering Touringcars Amsterdam was founded. Jacob Meering started his first passenger transportation with a transfer service between the houses of Amsterdam vendors and its markets. He converted a Chevrolet van into a mixed passenger/cargo vehicle making it possible to transport merchants and their goods at the same time. This proved to be a successful formula and within a few years, a second vehicle, an original International, was purchased in order to meet increasing demand.
The rich history of Meering Touringcars Amsterdam
Jacob Meering's son Willem joined his father’s company following the Second World War and together, they explored new opportunities for their business. During the rebuilding of the Netherlands, rural theatres provided the population with much-needed entertainment and so Jacob and Willem saw the opportunity to provide bus services for actors and production staff to theatres and playhouses in Amsterdam and across the country.
Meering goes international
Economic times improved, and in the 1950s Meering’s first international coach service to the Côte d'Azur in France became reality. On a three-day journey through the French countryside, the first groups of Dutch tourists – without today's modern conveniences such as motorways, air conditioning and advanced suspension – were on their way to a well-earned camping holiday by the Mediterranean Sea.
The 1960s saw more and more Americans travelling to Europe to visit the Old World and to explore their European roots, which meant a major expansion of Meering Touringcars Amsterdam. New motor coaches with luxurious new features such as full airconditioning, reclining seats and mountain view windows ensured a comfortable long-distance journey through 10 countries in 10 days. Japanese visitors soon followed, as well as British, Canadian and Australian tourists.
New opportunities
Meanwhile, new domestic market opportunities emerged in the years of the global oil crisis. A major assignment by the Amsterdam public transport company GVB resulted in an innovative chapter in the history of Meering Touringcars Amsterdam. And soon, transportation was not only provided for individual passengers through its own travel agency, but also for schools, associations and multinational corporations such as KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Royal Dutch Shell.
A growing family business
With the arrival of the third generation of the Meering family, under the inspiring leadership of Willem Meering, and a fleet of 20 privately owned vehicles, the family business moved forward as a major player in the industry. Business in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s flourished with incoming tourism to the Netherlands, long distance coach travel in Europe and outbound holiday shuttle services to Spain, Austria and Switzerland.
Today, into the 21st century, and with a growing number of vehicles and drivers, many national and international companies, private individuals and global travel organisations partner with Meering Touringcars Amsterdam. A trusted name leading the way in transportation of national and international passengers to wide range of destinations.
Milestone
Upon its 85th anniversary, Meering Touringcars Amsterdam and Beja Tours reflect on a long and rich history in the transportation business. With quality, craftsmanship, traditional values, pride, innovation and a pioneering spirit, the family business has established a solid foundation for the future.
