Hays Travel franchisee answers town's calls for a new travel agency
Ilaria Grasso MacolaA former Thomas Cook branch manager turned Hays Travel franchisee has opened his third agency to meet demand from locals to restore a travel retail presence in their town.
John Stewart, whose career in travel spans nearly 40 years, was managing Cook’s Dundee store – for a long time its most profitable – when the iconic brand collapsed in September 2019.
Within a week, he set up his own business – John Stewart Travel – and inked a franchise agreement with Cook buyer Hays Travel to reopen the Dundee store.
After expanding to nearby Broughty Ferry in 2022, Stewart made the jump across the River Tay at the weekend to open his third store in the Fife town of Cupar, where he said people were crying out for a travel branch after other local agencies shut their doors in recent years.
"Word has spread quickly and the reaction in town is extremely positive – it has exceeded my expectations,” said Stewart, who revealed he had spent two years searching for the right premises in the town.
The store in Crossgate, which opened on Saturday (14 September), will be managed by Susan Welham, who grew up in Cupar and has worked in Hays’ branches in St Andrews, Glenrothes and Dundee.
The team were joined for the celebrations by representatives from Jet2holidays, Ambassador Cruise Line – which sails from Dundee and Edinburgh – and Glasgow-headquartered tour operator If Only, which have all put up offers to mark the agency’s opening.
Stewart continued: “It is clear to see a travel agency has been greatly missed in Cupar, which is why we want to give back to customers.
"All customers who book a holiday or buy currency in our new store between our launch day on 14 September and 12 October 2024 will be entered into a draw to win a free cruise for two from Dundee."
Jane Schumm, Hays Travel’s retail director, added: "John has been a valued member of the Hays Travel family for nearly five years, and it is a privilege to watch his franchise portfolio grow from strength to strength.
"Hays Travel Cupar will be in trusted hands, made even stronger by store manager Susan and her extensive travel experience. We wish John, Susan and the Cupar team every success in their new venture.”
Last year, Stewart – along with four other Hays branch managers – shared with TTG their secrets to making "clients for life", which you can catch up with here.
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Ilaria Grasso Macola
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