A new agency in Swindon promises a “fresh twist” on travel, with its own bar and branded beer, an Instagram wall and mystery holidays.
Swindon Travel Hub has been opened by business partners Ashley Hunt and Shaun Jones, who initially established the brand online.
Hunt is former global head of trading for Imagine Cruising, while Jones has worked for the likes of Iglu Cruise and Virgin Holidays.
They also have some “amazing part-time team members” who help during busy periods.
Jones joined Barrhead Travel’s Brilliant Travel arm in August 2022 and Swindon Travel Hub was set up online a year later.
He said the flexibility of online worked “brilliantly” and allowed him to build the brand and connect with customers without the overheads of a physical space.
When Hunt came on board, they wanted to create a space that offered “more than just bookings…somewhere fun and social, where people could get excited about their holidays”.
The agency has partnered with the nearby Hop Kettle Brewing Company to create its own ‘Hop On Board’ beer and has a bar for clients to have a tipple while planning their trip.
An Instagram wall enables customers to take ‘I’m booking a holiday!’ photos, while kids can doodle on a whiteboard wall.
Mystery holidays start from £199 and clients can take part in a spin-the-wheel game for prizes after making a booking.
Jones said: “We’re the ones bringing a fresh twist to travel in Swindon.
“A physical presence adds that extra layer of connection and excitement that you just can’t replicate online.
“We like to think of the Swindon Travel Hub as more than just a travel agency – it’s an experience.”
He said clients “absolutely adore” the quirky additions, which turn a “routine booking into something memorable and fun”.
“We’ve even had clients drop in just to write on the wall or grab a drink and chat about future travel plans,” he added.
The agency has also sponsored the Cinderella pantomine at the Wyvern Theatre in Swindon.
“We could have put our budget into a newspaper advertisement or sponsored Facebook posts but we believe in supporting our local community, and what better way than to get involved with something as fun and family-friendly as the Christmas panto?” said Jones.
“It’s a perfect match for us; spreading joy and bringing people together, just like travel does.”
He said the agency is selling a “real mix” of holidays, from last-minute sun-seeking trips to Spain and Greece to Med cruises and even Alaska.
“Our mystery holidays are a big hit too; people love the excitement of not knowing where they’re going until the last minute,” he continued.
“The market is definitely picking up, with more people keen to make up for lost time and enjoy a proper break.
“We’re seeing a diverse mix of clients, from families looking for that perfect summer getaway, to couples after a romantic retreat, and even solo travellers ready for their next adventure. We still have our offers online for those that want them.”
Long-term, the pair would like to expand their footprint and develop more partnerships within the local community and with supplier partners.
Jones added: “We are proud members of the Barrhead Travel family under the Brilliant Travel brand as a Managed Service Travel Partner (MSTP).
“Their support has been instrumental in our plans. Being part of such a well-respected brand gives our clients confidence, while still allowing us the flexibility to bring our own unique flair to the table.”
Located on Devizes Road in Old Swindon, the new shop has also been boosted by local media coverage, added Jones.
“We’re just thrilled with the response so far. Swindon Travel Hub is all about making travel fun, accessible and a little bit different,” he said.
“We’re excited to keep pushing the boundaries of what a travel agency can be and can’t wait to help even more people discover the joy of travel.”
Main picture, from left: Ashley Hunt and Shaun Jones by the Instagram wall.
