Jimmy Martin Travel has acquired Frutin Travel in Leith as part of plans to grow the agency across the city.

Martin previously worked at Frutin Travel, rising to “unofficial MD”, before establishing Jimmy Martin Travel in Stockbridge 20 years ago. 

He recalled: “I started there as a fresh-faced 16-year-old learning the business, but after three months I had not booked a holiday. Then someone came in saying they needed to go to Toronto next week. My boss said, ‘do it or you’ll never be booking a holiday in your life’. I did and went on from there.” 

As part of the take-over of Frutin, partner Emma Morrice will become part of the Jimmy Martin team at its Raeburn Place offices.

Martin said: “Frutin Travel has always been dear to my heart and to be expanding with this acquisition, following 18 months of the most challenging times the travel industry has ever faced, cements our faith in our future business growth.

“Emma brings with her a specialism in last-minute beach holidays which will expand our holiday portfolio for clients. She also has a deep knowledge of America, south-east Asia, Vietnam and Cambodia, which will enhance the advice we give to our existing client base who enjoy long-haul travel with an element of adventure.”

Morrice added: “I am delighted to be joining such a proactive and professional agency which is exhibiting strong recovery from the pandemic.”

Martin said he had confidence in the retail sector: “In the last two years, it has really come back to the agent.

“Anyone who booked their holiday online and experienced hours on hold trying in vain to secure a refund or a credit for their trip during Covid knows what a challenging, stressful experience that was. 

“People are seeking a ‘high touch’ service to help them navigate fast changing protocols, border restrictions and amended airline schedules.”