London-based agency Swords Travel is looking to recruit two travel advisors for its shop in Wimbledon to service increased demand for in-person consultations.
Owners Mark and Stuart Swords currently run the store on a ‘by-appointment’ basis but the pair said it was becoming increasingly difficult to keep up with walk-in and face-to-face enquiries.
“At the moment, we are away so much that we’re really struggling to man the store,” said Mark Swords.
“Demand is quite high. People are wanting to see us face-to-face. A lot of our enquiries want to meet [in person].”
More: Abercrombie & Kent expands UK agency sales team
He added: “Sovereign Travel [in Wimbledon Village] has closed down – they’ve moved to an office – which means we’re now the only high-street travel agency in Wimbledon.”
The agency is seeking one full-time member of staff and one part-time member of staff to man the shop throughout the week. Swords said it would be preferable for candidates to have at least two years’ travel experience so that they could have “autonomy” running the shop when Mark and Stuart aren’t there.
He said: “As long as they’ve got a travel background, it helps. You can learn luxury travel, it’s just a case of different products. We’re willing to train somebody into the way that we work. We’re going to keep it as flexible and as open as possible to get the right people.”
Swords Travel has also recently taken on a new associate, bringing its self-employed team of travel advisors to nine.
Cara Pepper, whose travel experience includes working as an onboard sales manager for Silversea Cruises and Virgin Voyages, joined last week.
“Her destination knowledge is unbelievable,” Swords said.
“She worked on the expedition cruises for Silversea. She was onboard doing sales but she’s experienced [the product] and met clients. That cruise market is something we really want to get into more so her having the knowledge will help us manage those enquiries properly.”
The agency is also pushing its marketing initiatives under Holly Stillion, head of marketing partnerships, who joined the company last August.
The brand is set to unveil a new website in the summer as part of a wider refresh of the Swords Travel brand.
The website will feature destinations, preferred luxury hotels and ‘journey’ inspiration with the aim of focusing more on tailor-made travel. It will also host original content including weekly blog posts.