The cruise experts behind a new travel agency have set their sights on “significant growth” across the UK ahead of the launch of their first high street retail outlet in Swindon
In an exclusive interview with Cruise Trade News, director of Swindon Travel Hub and former global head of trading for Imagine Cruising Ashley Hunt said the new shop will specialise in cruise holidays.
Renovations on the new premises began last weekend (21-23 June) with completion expected in the next month, and the store is due to open its doors to the public later this summer.
“Initially, we’ll launch with a small team, but we fully intend to scale up based on demand,” Hunt said. “From discussions with other agents, we anticipate needing around ten people to begin with.”
The store, which will be located in Devizes Road in Swindon, will be the first in what Hunt and fellow director Shaun Jones hope will be a collection of Travel Hub premises across the UK.
‘We don’t want to be another ‘normal’ travel agency’
“While we can’t disclose all our unique strategies just yet, we can assure you that we do not intend to be just another ‘normal’ travel agency,” Hunt said.
“Our goal is for customers to have fun, get excited for their next adventure, and feel like their holiday begins the moment they step through our doors. In five years, who knows? There might even be a Travel Hub store in your area.”
As part of its launch campaign the agency has sponsored this Christmas’ pantomime of Cinderella at The Wyvern Theatre in Swindon.
“I absolutely love panto – it’s such a brilliant part of the festive season, full of laughter, fun, and great for the whole family,” said Jones. “Supporting this fantastic tradition is our way of giving back and spreading some holiday magic. I can’t wait to join everyone for a good laugh and some festive cheer.”