A Brilliant Travel homeworker has opened his own shop in a bid to bring back the traditional approach to booking holidays.
Paul Wright, from Gateshead, opened PW Travel Service in Low Fell last month, focusing on a personalised, bespoke service.
The Durham Road store provides holidaymakers with the whole package, encouraging them to shift away from booking holidays online.
He said: “It’s gone full circle. For years it’s all been about booking online, but now people are looking for a more personalised, face-to-face service with someone to look after the whole process for them.
“They may still do their research online first, but we’re finding that many now prefer to complete their booking in a store – it gives added peace of mind and they benefit from our years of expertise and great prices.”
Brilliant Travel is part of the Barrhead Travel group, so Wright can benefit from its buying power with a wide range of suppliers, along with access to the latest technology.
“It means I can choose how best to run my own business and we’re able to offer customers an amazing choice of holidays at very competitive prices,” he said.
“That’s enabled my business to get off to a flying start.”
Wright, who is managing director of the shop, has more than 30 years’ experience in the travel industry and joined Brilliant Travel two years ago.
The shop’s manager is Darren Morrison, who also started off as one of Barrhead Travel’s Brilliant Travel homeworkers.
Linda Pyle, Barrhead Travel’s managed service travel partner and homeworking director, said: “Paul is passionate about providing a traditional, bespoke service to customers.
“We’re growing the Brilliant Travel business considerably each year and we’re delighted to have him as one of our managed service travel partners.
“Thanks to Paul’s expertise and drive, I’m sure the store will do very well.”