Ash fails to dent sales at Travel Counsellors

DISRUPTION caused by the volcanic ash cloud has failed to dent revenue at North West travel firm Travel Counsellors.

The Bolton-based group, which operates as a travel agent through a team of 1,100 home-based sales agents worldwide, said sales were up 29% in April compared with last year.

According to the company the value of transactions it has handled in the six months since November rose by 36% to £154m. This figure is expected to rise to £320m over the full year.

Its customers’ most popular destinations in the summer months are long-haul flights to Dubai, Hong Kong and New York.

Managing director Steve Byrne said: “The travel industry has experienced a series of knockbacks recently but our business model continues to thrive because of the emphasis on personal service. People still want, and need to go on holiday, but in the light of recent events they are looking for a travel service that goes above and beyond.

“These sales figures prove that the travel industry is still flourishing for agents who can be there for their customers, and the drive to provide a unique level of personal service when unpredictable events occur.”