NEWS SPECIAL REPORT
Clockwise from top left: GoCruise & Travel, Manningtree, Essex; Bordessa Holidays, Tenby; Premier Travel, Tenterden, Kent; Driffield Travel (part of Beverley Travel Group), East Riding of Yorkshire; JLM Travel, Cullercoats, Tyne and Wear; and Hays Travel, Harlow, Essex
Retail director Paul Hardwick
said the agency was “constantly searching for new acquisitions or areas” but stressed: “As with all travel businesses, we’re managing costs very closely to mitigate the impact the Middle East situation is having on income in the short term.” He highlighted the “huge
advantage” of using experienced agents in uncertain times as a reason why travel companies were “still investing heavily in retail shops” and also outlined opportunities for acquisitions and lower rents and rates in the current market. Premier Travel has opened four
shops since September 2025 after taking on former Baldwins Travel stores and staff, mirroring its expansion following Thomas Cook’s demise. Managing director Paul Waters
insisted its recent growth was “opportunity-driven” rather than a shift towards “sustained rapid expansion” and “expanding for the sake of it”, adding: “Outside of these
travelweekly.co.uk
specific opportunities, our expansion has been more measured.” Prior to taking on the ex-Baldwins
stores, its last new branch opened in December 2023 in Fakenham. More recently it acquired Cannon Travel in December 2025 and took on Hallmark Travel as a managed branch in October 2024. Waters predicted an industry-wide
slowdown in high street openings and further consolidation, adding: “I don’t expect the pace of expansion to continue at the same level. Growth will inevitably be shaped by wider economic conditions, including cost-of-living pressures and global uncertainty, both of which directly influence consumer confidence.” He pointed to increased operating
costs, business rate rises, hikes in energy and wage bills, and high streets no longer being able to support multiple, competing agencies. “The landscape has changed. Any
[new] physical presence needs to be carefully considered,” he said.
21 MAY 2026 9 ‘BUSINESS IS REALLY GOOD’
Face-to-face contact has become a key reason to visit a travel agency in the current market, according to the manager of Premier Travel’s new branch in Tenterden, Kent. The former Baldwins Travel
store reopened on April 3 and is already advertising for another agent, with hopes to take on an apprentice in the future. Manager Louise
Oliver (pictured) said clients had been forced to book with operators direct or online when the agency shut due to Baldwins’ demise, prior to its
recent reopening. She said: “One of the most noticeable comments we’ve had [since opening] has been about face-to-face contact. “We are the only high street
agent here and coming to book with us in person has given clients reassurance; they know we have their best interests at heart. The trust and rapport is there.” Any initial concerns
Oliver had about trading in the current climate have been swept away since opening. She added: “There are a lot of conversations about what is going on and questions on fuel, but business has been really good.”
PICTURE: Shutterstock/Liton_Official
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