Top 50 2024 - South West - Global Independent Travel, Cleveden

With the six-strong team at Global Independent Travel having 110 years of experience in selling travel between them, undertaking regular training online and in-destination, and always prioritising personalised customer service, it’s no surprise the 14-year-old travel agency celebrated its most successful month ever in January. Its customers (80% of which are repeat bookers) trust managing director Lisa and her staff to look after their holidays across all types of travel – from beach holidays and ocean cruise to touring trips, weddings and honeymoons. A recent booking saw agents reassure neurodiverse customers with a special briefing appointment before departure for Disneyland, during which they gifted bespoke goodie bags containing Mickey Mouse ears and autograph books. Gifting is a regular occurrence, with the team distributing cheese and wine hampers annually to top clients, hosting a customer Christmas party and offering a loyalty card scheme that rewards regulars with local restaurant vouchers. Clients often give back too by sharing home-made soups and chutneys, plus gift account opportunities for special occasions recently saw a client celebrating her 70th birthday book a bucket-list safari trip. The agency raises money for Breast Cancer Now through coffee mornings and raffles, and the staff reward each other with flowers, spa days, meals out and even team holidays to the likes of Gibraltar. Clients can catch up with the team at events – such as the agency’s annual Holiday Show, which in 2023 attracted 350 visitors. Meanwhile, those moving into the Clevedon area might spot “congratulations on your new home” postcards dropping through their letterboxes with the opportunity for the first 10 new customers to receive a free bottle of bubbly. Looking ahead, Global Independent Travel will focus on growing its Instagram community and ramping up its commitment to encouraging sustainable travel by educating and inspiring customers to make more responsible holiday choices.

globalindependenttravel.com