Fred Olsen Travel has opened a new concept store in Tonbridge, its 23rd high street shop in total.
The branch on Tonbridge’s high street is also the chain’s fifth outlet in the southeast and its first in Kent.
The agency’s Bettina McCue, Jacqui Nocton and Donna Broughton have between them more than 80 years of travel experience.
The new store was officially opened last week by Jess Gibson, founder and managing director of The TN Card, and Fred Olsen Travel’s retail director, Paul Hardwick.
More: Fred Olsen Travel to open 23rd store in Tonbridge
The TN Card is a rewards programme that encourages people across Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks to support local businesses.
Gibson was chosen to open the shop because of her role with The TN Card and her support for local businesses.
Fred Olsen Travel is part of the TN Card programme so members qualify for a discount when booking with the agency.
Designed by Fred Olsen Travel’s head of retail marketing, Sharon Ingle, the store features “eye-catching graphics and vibrant photography” from its tour operator partners.
When plans for the concept store were unveiled in October, the agency said it will serve as its flagship store, tasked with achieving a turnover of £2 million within the first two to three years.
A luxury cruise club lounge towards the rear of the store features several upmarket cruise partners such as Saga, Cunard, Seabourn, Silversea and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
The agency sells holidays and cruises from hundreds of different suppliers, with a focus on selected operators such as Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, Fred Holidays, easyJet holidays and Riviera Travel, which have in-store branding.
The opening was attended by representatives from Fred Olsen Travel team, operator partners, local business owners and customers.
Hardwick said: “We are delighted to have officially opened our Tonbridge store, further expanding our retail footprint and adding to our recently established cluster of shops in the southeast.
“With offerings from all the market-leading holiday and cruise companies, this new concept store clearly demonstrates that Fred Olsen Travel Agents has something for everyone – wherever they want to go and whatever they want to do.
“We look forward to welcoming the people of Tonbridge and the surrounding areas into the store to discuss their holiday and cruise requirements with our friendly and knowledgeable team.”
Pictured from left: Paul Hardwick, Fred Olsen Travel’s retail director; Bettina McCue, manager of Fred Olsen Travel in Tonbridge; Jess Gibson, founder and managing director of The TN Card; and Trevor Ridler, Fred Olsen Travel’s regional manager