Local businessman, Paul Johnstone, today opened his second travel agency store in Ridley Place, Newcastle.
Now Lets Travel will be the company’s second high street location, after the flagship store opened in in Jesmond. The independent travel agency has a third location in Sunderland which acts as an administration and after sales office.
While the Jesmond store continues to offer a boutique service, specialising in luxury holidays and cruise, the new store in Newcastle city centre will offer all types of holidays and will include Newcastle’s first Jet2holidays Lounge, launched in partnership with the popular tour operator.
Johnstone, who started his travel business seven years ago after being made redundant from another travel company, says despite the challenges caused by the pandemic, he believes that there is a strong future for high street travel agencies:
“Of course, it’s been a really difficult year for everyone in travel and retail. We have had our challenges but I am positive for the future; all research points to the fact that people will value holidays more than ever before and we want to be able to be there help our customers plan those trips that they have been waiting for.
“I am a firm believer in personal, face-to-face service and when travel returns, holidaymakers will look to their local travel agents for their expertise, great service and financial protection. The support we have had from the local community is overwhelming and I think people are excited to see another independent store opening on the high street.
The new store has created seven new jobs and Johnstone expects to invest up to £250,000 in the store’s first year. He said:
“Some may say I’m taking a risk; I would say that I’m taking a leap of faith. The team at Now Lets Travel are so incredibly passionate and knowledgeable about travel that I know we will be able to support local holidaymakers with their plans. We offer full financial protection on every single holiday so people can come to us and feel safe, knowing that their money is in good hands.”
Now Lets Travel will officially open its doors on Friday 11th December.