Thorne Travel is to open a branch in Prestwick early next year and has begun recruitment for at least six staff.
The new store in Main Street in the Scottish town will be the agency’s third high street shop.
The firm currently has two branches, in Kilwinning and Largs, and operates Thorne Travel Experience, which offers day trips and short breaks, and Cruising with Thorne Travel, a specialist cruise holiday service.
More: Thorne Travel staff celebrate after finally picking up AAAs accolade
No date has been set for the opening but “significant renovation” work is starting on the branch while staff are being sought locally to fill at least six roles.
Owner and managing director Shona Thorne said Prestwick had been under consideration for a new store “for some time”.
She said: “It is a lovely town with a warm and hospitable atmosphere. Our new Prestwick store will require significant renovation and modernisation, which is about to commence.
“Our HR team is also about to start recruiting and we look forward to welcoming customers and helping them find their dream holiday early in 2024”.
Thorne said the opening followed a rapid increase in consumer demand for travel agents in recent years.
She added: “Since the Covid-19 pandemic, we’ve witnessed an incredible surge in customers.
“Many people faced difficulties in getting their money back after booking holidays online, and there was a lot of uncertainty surrounding travel rules.
“As a result, people have come to appreciate booking through a travel agency like ours, which offers a highly personalised service at internet prices.”
The agency recently received an Agent Achievement Award while the MD was awarded a Scottish Business Women’s Award recognising her business acumen and commitment to creating job opportunities for local people.