Sam Smith Travel has been acquired by independent travel agency group Ocky White Travel.
The agency in Cowbridge, south Wales, announced last month it had ceased trading as an Atol holder and had been put into voluntary liquidation.
The high-street agency, which also operated specialist tour operators including Strachan Sports Travel, was forced to close as a result of the impact of Covid-19 and the cancellation of the British & Irish Lions rugby tour to South Africa.
The agency, which only closed for a few days, reopened on August 2. It is now trading under new owners Ocky White Travel, which has two branches and is based in Pembrokeshire.
From next week it will have a new Abta number while the vast majority of the agency bookings have been transferred across to the new business.
Founder Sam Smith has retired from the business after more than 50 years in the industry. Strachan Sports Travel was not part of the deal and is no longer part of Sam Smith Travel.
In a letter to clients, Smith said the deal would “future proof” the business and “further enhance the service and financial protection offered” by the agency.
He added: “I have always run an honourable business and it was crucial to me to ensure each client’s money was protected. So even though the time has come for me to retire (I will be 79 later this year), I am thrilled to make the exciting announcement that the business will continue.”
Mark White, managing director of Ocky White Travel and Milford Haven Travel, said: “I consider this an enormous honour to have this opportunity to safeguard and maintain such a highly regarded and respected high street agency.
“Both myself and the team in Cowbridge are dedicated and determined to ensure the future success of the business and that the very high standards of customer service associated with Sam Smith Travel are upheld.”
Sam Smith Travel sales and commercial manager Suzanne Cumpston (pictured) said there were no plans to change the Sam Smith name or to relocate from the shop’s current premises on Cowbridge High Street, where it has been operating from for the last 21 years.
The agency currently has two staff members after one left at the time of the sale, and is now recruiting for two new employees, including an assistant manager.
Cumpston said: “The last 18 months has been incredibly difficult but I am now more optimistic than ever.
“We have a fantastic reputation in the area and we are in a great position as a stand-alone agency to continue to drive the business forward in these post Covid times. The only thing that has changed is that we are now in a much stronger position.”
