Top 50 - Wales - Travel House, Blackwood

Travel House, Blackwood opened its doors less than three years ago at the height of the pandemic, but this agency’s pedigree runs a lot deeper.

Manager Elaine Watkins was in charge of its previous incarnation as Tailer Made Travel, which was named TTG Top 50’s top agency in Wales in 2019 and went on to retain its spot in the Top 50 in 2020.

She’s been in travel for more than 30 years, and her team share the best part of another 100 years’ industry experience. Modern apprentice Ruby Anderson is the agency’s newest starter, and has been a hit with clients.

Their individual expertise spans long-haul, cruise, Disney, groups – including hen dos – and families. Whatever you’re after, the team are ready to bring your travel plans to life.

Situated on Blackwood’s pretty high street, the shop looks a picture. The team give the window display a lot of attention with hand-written offers. Jet2holidays branding, meanwhile, is no accident – this agency is a Jet2 top seller out of Bristol.

Customer service frequently goes above and beyond, from securing exclusive restaurant bookings to recovering priceless items of lost property. The team even arranged a balloon reveal for a client’s children after booking a surprise Lapland trip.

Tuesdays – market day – are a big focus, and the agency also now opens on Sundays. “We just had to,” says Elaine, keen to utilise her years of local knowledge. The team are highly active on social media too, where there is an ever-increasing number of customers to serve.

Look out, too, for in-store events – previous get-togethers have focused on Disney, and the agency has previously held a new-to-cruise showcase. At Christmas, there are cards, mince pies and wine.

The agency has also partnered with local sports groups, charity causes and the wider Blackwood business community to strengthen its ties with the local community.

It’s easy to see why, despite strong competition in Blackwood, more than half of this agency’s clients are repeat customers – and Elaine is hopeful of increasing this to 70%. And if you hear something as you walk past, it’s probably just their good booking bell!

travelhouse.co.uk