Hays Travel opens branch within Luton airport catchment area 

Hays Travel has opened a branch nine miles away from Luton airport.

The store in Dunstable began trading in July and had its official opening on August 21.

The opening follows Jet2 opening a base at Luton airport this year with a network of 17 destinations.

Branch manager James Little, who welcomed town mayor Sally Kimondo to cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony, said: “Jet2 has been very popular with customers so far – they appreciate having access to great deals through us and a wider range of holidays from Luton airport.”

Little, who joined the company two years ago via a ‘New to Travel’ scheme, added: “The response has been amazing. The overall support we have had from everyone has been excellent. It’s great to finally be open. The first month of trading has been very good for us.

“We have had a lot of customers come in. Some were unfamiliar with the Hays Travel brand but showing them what we can do and the versatility of holidays we can sell, has really helped them get an understanding of what we can offer.”

Little, who previously worked at Hays Travel’s Witney branch in Oxfordshire, said: “It’s been a massive change for me. Moving away from my parents for the first time has been a big step and this is the first time I have been a branch manager.

“It has been a really good experience, and I have received a lot of support along the way.”

The new branch has seven desks and a double bureau.

Hays Travel chief operating officer Jonathon Woodall-Johnston said: “We are delighted to have opened a store in Dunstable.

“We have a great retail team which is looking forward to booking holidays and arranging travel money for customers.

“The new branch is just a stone’s throw away from Luton airport which offers flights to more than 30 countries and more than 130 destinations. 

"We will always wholeheartedly support tour operators which try to service regions of the UK better for our customers.

“I wish the fantastic new team all the best and I can’t wait to visit the branch.”