Last year, friends Ashley Hunt and Shaun Jones teamed up to create their own agency business in Swindon’s Old Town area, which they opened in August 2024.
"It’s been really good so far," Hunt told TTG. "Not every day is perfect, and there’s been highs and lows as there’s so much going on in the world. We probably do about 60% cruise because that’s our background, but also quite a lot of touring and other holidays.”
Hunt previously worked as head of trading for Imagine Cruising, while Jones’ career in travel includes spells at online agency Iglu as well as Virgin Holidays.
Swindon Travel Hub has been incentivising bookings with a promotion for customers to win a £5,000 holiday voucher, with every booking and client referral earning an entry into a draw that will be held in November.
The business has also been active in the local community sponsoring the youth academy at Swindon Town Football Club, as well as the annual pantomime at the town’s Wyvern Theatre.
The team was bolstered in March by the arrival of its first salesperson Mary Green, and Hunt also revealed the business has just taken on its first two homeworkers, who will work with their own clients with the support of Swindon Travel Hub.
"We’ll be going on a journey together with our homeworkers to help them out,” he said. “We have a variety of plans as part of our further expansion. We would like to improve our website and make it more automated.”
The agency has also partnered with a local college to allow students to gain real-world retail experience by working in the store. Other initiatives include hosting a luxury roadshow earlier this year.
Swindon Travel Hub plans to hold a first anniversary party in early August with clients, family and friends to celebrate reaching the milestone.
