Top 50 - Northern Ireland - Thompson Travel International, Portadown

It could be the impeccable service, the non-stop tea and biscuits, or the free on-site parking – but whatever the reason, customers continue to flock to this store, and off the back of its 30-year anniversary in 2022, Thompson Travel Worldwide is enjoying one of the best years in its history.

This third-generation family business is set in a small row of shops in Craigavon, County Armagh and the business is now run by mother-and-son duo Sharon Thompson and Jason Calvin. Along with another five people in the team, between them they’ve clocked up 100 years’ experience in the travel industry. 

Higher adoption of WhatsApp for Business has proved a boon for the agency of late, with some customers booking their holidays via the messaging app alone. And recognising that all independent businesses should support each other, fellow shops and retailers such as shoe shops and hairdressers are often promoted on Thompson’s own social media channels. 

Meanwhile, in the physical world, the shop has also been a focus, having been recently reconfigured with some walls removed to give a much more open-plan feeling.

They have a laser focus on their key strengths under three business umbrellas: Faith & Culture Tours; Travelling Alone Together for solo travellers; and The Cruise Counter – chartering a full A-Rosa river cruise ship for customers is one of many ways they have become such a huge cruise agency. 

“There will never be a new cruise launch we are not on,” adds Jason, pointing out the team has also been everywhere from South Africa to Japan of late.

But it’s not all business – this caring bunch drove a fundraising effort of £16,500 for the Children’s Cancer Unit Charity of Northern Ireland on behalf of the grandson of a customer who sadly passed away, with Sharon and Jason even putting their own hands in their pockets to send the family on holiday. 

Sharon also lectures in local schools and colleges, and work experience is always available for those who want to understand life as a travel agent.

thompsontravelholidays.com