Scottish agency expands on back of strong forward sales

Pictured: Steve Smith (left) and Bruce Lamond, in the new branch of Travel Your World in Forfar.

Independent Scottish agency Travel Your World has opened a second shop to cater for growing demand.

Bruce Lamond, managing director of Travel Your World in Kirkcaldy, has appointed Steve Smith to work in the new outlet in Forfar.

Smith has worked in travel for 23 years, with the last seven as a homeworker with Hays Travel.

The pair had originally planned to open the shop in February or March but plans were put on ice amid the pandemic.

Lamond said: “Steve said he would love to get back into retail.

“We thought it would be a great venture…with our Kirkcaldy office doing so well and his knowledge and personal attention to detail, and being so successful with his homeworking business in the Angus/Dundee area.”

During lockdown, Smith handled social media marketing for Lamond and the pair saw great demand for 2021 bookings.

In July, Tui announced that its Forfar branch would not be re-opening, so Lamond spotted a gap in the market.

“We thought it was time to plan to open so the people of Forfar had somewhere to book their 2021 holiday,” said Lamond.

“As part of the Hays Independence Group, we have amazing commercial agreements with all the major operators and cruise lines, making us able to offer virtually the best value on the High Street, coupled with our top customer and personal service.”

He said negative stories about clients struggling with refunds or getting in touch with operators had highlighted the importance of dealing with local businesses.

“This has driven the message even more for clients to book local and support local businesses who were there and contactable at all times during the height of the mass cancellations and refund claims,” said Lamond.

“We pride ourself in our repeat business and word-of-mouth. Our clients trust us to spend their hard-earned money wisely.

“We’ve had the worst trading conditions ever but our team has worked tirelessly to get all our clients re-booked for 2021 or to get their money back from operators.

“We have very strong forward sales for 2021 and beyond and hope we are past the worst of the cancellations.”

As well as taking advantage of Forfar’s “booming” high street, Smith is also promoting deals via social media and offering prizes.

He is approaching Forfar businesses to work on joint promotions and has sealed a marketing partnership is with Forfar golf club.

Also proving popular is Daisy the dog, who is currently helping to promote staycations and special deals for pet owners on social media.