Polka Dot Travel reopens most of its shops

The minipule, based in Oswestry, is temporarily keeping closed five branches that are in close proximity to others.

The agency boasted a 60% rebooking rate among clients whose trips were cancelled during lockdown. It said those who had rebooked for 2021 had, in many cases, enhanced it with a longer stay or a higher star rating hotel.

It added that “a number” that opted for a refund have since already rebooked.

Polka Dot had a team of more than 20 staff working from home while its branches were closed.

Mark Johnson, Polka Dot Travel director, said: “Before coronavirus there was a large proportion of travellers, particularly of a certain demographic, that would book a trip over social media or over the phone with little input from an agent, because we have become so accustomed to purchasing online. However, we anticipate that travellers will want an increased level of support and reassurance, as we slowly return to normal.

“This means customer service, particularly face to face, to instil confidence in our customers is key. The problems caused to travel arrangements by Covid-19 has reminded consumers of the benefits of booking through an agent.

“Therefore, we think the sooner our stores open the better. We have all the required safety measures in place for staff and customers and hope that, now we have the quarantine-free destinations, the industry will start getting back to how we knew it.”

The stores reopened are Oswestry, Shrewsbury, Wrexham, Nantwich, Llandudno, Market Drayton, Rhyl, Newcastle under Lyme, Longton, Hanley, Cannock, Leek, Lichfield and Stafford.