The Holiday Design shop, which was opened by the mayor of Thurrock, features a touch-screen interactive map with information on destinations and videos of resorts and hotels.

It also has dedicated booking booths with screens which Thomson said would “bring holidays to life in the booking process”, as well as an “advice bar”, with a self-service computer for customers to access reviews, excursions and visa information.

Speaking at the opening Jenny Curran, Thomson’s regional sales manager, said: “We’re delighted to be able to offer a modernised store to help our agents provide a state-of-the-art booking service.
 
“The new-look store underlines our commitment to retail stores and we are really excited to welcome people into the store to come and see what’s new and how our expert advisors can help them find their perfect holiday like never before.”