Special Report: Middle East crisis boosts consumer demand for high street reassurance

But he conceded most openings would have been planned “well in advance of the current Middle East crisis”, with agents committed to lease agreements and other contractual obligations.

And he cautioned: “We’d expect those in the earlier stages of planning to take a more considered approach to timing, ensuring any new launch can be carried out in a more favourable trading environment.”

The Travel Network Group chief operating officer Stephanie Slark noted optimism despite the current climate, adding: “While future high street openings will naturally depend on wider global events and economic pressures, our members remain confident travel demand will rebound.”

She also stressed the resilience of high street trading during the Middle East crisis. “Customers are increasingly seeking the expertise and reassurance that comes from booking through a trusted agent,” she said.

Large players

Larger high street agencies were bullish about expanding in the near future. Hays Travel, which has around 530 stores nationwide, has “other sites in the pipeline” after opening its latest store, in Harlow, Essex, in April. 

A spokeswoman said: “We continue to grow our retail estate as the right premises become available where our customers are.”

Barrhead Travel, which has 45 stores, said it continued to “explore opportunities” to grow where it sees the right combination of “demand, strong local high streets and long-term potential” despite recent events.

Managing director Nicki Tempest‑Mitchell said: “Like many, we’ve had one or two global distractions to navigate this year, so our expansion plans haven’t been front and centre. But new store openings remain very much part of our future.”

She pledged the agency’s commitment to the high street in the longer term, adding: “There’s still real strength in retail stores.”

Miniples

Kuoni’s announcement last week that it was to shut its 10 John Lewis outlets and its Winchester high street store was accompanied by a strong promise to invest in the group’s remaining standalone stores and open a new branch in Bristol.

This year has already seen Fred Olsen Travel and Premier Travel grow their high street networks at a faster pace than in 2025 – but both suggested they would take a considered approach to future openings. 

Fred Olsen Travel acquired three agencies in February and March, incorporating one into an existing branch and rebranding the other two. 

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.

"The landscape has changed – any physical presence needs to be carefully considered"

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 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.

‘Business has been 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 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.”