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Ipswich-based travel agents Fred.Olsen bounces back from Covid slump with record start to year




A Suffolk-based travel agents that works across East Anglia has started off the year with a bang following a slump during the pandemic.

Fred.Olsen, which is headquartered in Ipswich, said sales for January 2023 are up 91 per cent when compared to last year – with all 10 of its branches in the region out-performing sales targets.

The firm, which also has offices in Bury St Edmunds, Beccles, Felixstowe, Woodbridge and Framlingham, suffered as the pandemic battered the travel industry.

Fred.Olsen's Bury St Edmunds travel agents. Picture: Ash Jones
Fred.Olsen's Bury St Edmunds travel agents. Picture: Ash Jones

It noted 30 per cent of trade came from new customers, and its newest shop at Norwich Airport was performing 'very well'.

January also saw the return of its Holiday & Cruise Shows, which also took place in Norwich, with 35 bookings for over 400 people in a day.

Further shows are planned in Ipswich and Norwich, the firm added.

Fred.Olsen's head of commercial Paul Hardwick. Picture: Fred.Olsen
Fred.Olsen's head of commercial Paul Hardwick. Picture: Fred.Olsen

Paul Hardwick, Fred.Olsen's head of commercial, said: ā€œI’m delighted with our record-breaking start to the year which clearly demonstrates the positivity of consumers and the fact that they value the service, knowledge and protection that travel agents offer customers when booking their holidays and cruises.

"It is great to see that travel has returned and that people can get back to making memories and finding their happy place once again.ā€