Holiday Lounge targets two more stores in new year

Holiday Lounge plans to open two more shops next year as the four‑branch family agency continues to grow.

The Leicestershire business currently has branches in Hinckley, Lutterworth, Birstall and Burbage.

The Hinckley premises closed on November 20 for a £40,000 refurbishment, reopening on December 1.

Managing director Paul Moss said 2025 turnover would be up about 6% on last year, reaching about £12.7 million.

“We have had 22 years of increasing trading and are now looking for branches five and six,” he said. “We are actively moving forward with that and know where we want to be. We are interviewing staff.” 

The new branches, also in Leicestershire, will not open until after February because the business will be busy with peaks.

Moss was speaking after the agency’s conference in Paphos, Cyprus, where 25 staff members joined directors and suppliers at Athena Beach Hotel, part of Constantinou Bros Hotels.

Speakers included Alistair Rowland, Blue Bay Travel group chief executive and Abta chairman, and Dave Green, JTA Travel Group’s business development director.

There was also a ceremony to remember industry figure and former JTA senior sales manager Diane Court, who died in November.

Moss said: “The last conference she attended before she retired was ours, in November 2024, in Tenerife.

“She was a great friend to Holiday Lounge and built close, personal relationships – so we dedicated this conference to Di and wanted to do something fitting.”

The conference also presented a special recognition award to Gordon Quick, manager of the Lutterworth branch, who will retire next April.

Quick, aged 70, has worked in travel for 55 years and will have been with Holiday Lounge for almost 16 years when he retires. 

The People’s Choice award – voted for by staff – was won by Leigh Twelvetree, who joined the agency 18 months ago. “He has an infectious personality and has really made an impact,” said Moss, who himself received a surprise award to thank him for his contribution.

The conference strapline was ‘Believe to Achieve’ and it included team-building exercises, producing videos to promote the host hotel, and an Apprentice-style challenge.