The number of independent high street travel agents and tour operators in the UK fell by 3% during the first half of 2021 compared with the same period in 2020, according to figures from the Local Data Company.
The first six months of year saw an overall reduction of 51 independent agencies as only 114 new shops opened and 165 closed. The worst regions for closures were Wales (-17%) and the northeast (-10%), although both the northwest and west Midlands saw more openings than closures.
The number of multiple travel agencies saw a much steeper net drop of 8.3% year-on-year as there were 166 closures and just 36 openings between January and June.
Across all types of high street agencies and tour operators, there was a net loss of 181 shops year-on-year with 331 closures - 199 of them being high street outlets.
This contrasts with the overall independent retail market, which saw its first return to growth for four years with a net rise of 804 shops – led by industries such as convenience stores, barbers, take-aways and grocers. This compares with a net drop of 1,833 independent shops in the first half of 2020 as the Covid-19 crisis forced the closure of many shops.
The discrepancy between travel shops and other retailers will boost the industry’s call for furlough to be extended for the sector alongside more financial support as it continues to suffer more than other types of retail due to the pandemic.
Lucy Stainton, commercial director at the Local Data Company, said: “For the first time since the onset of the pandemic, there may be some cause for optimism when it comes to the performance of our high streets.
“The independent sector has returned to growth for the first time since 2017 as the number of closures dropped and openings have steadily increased year-on-year, boosting the overall figures.”
LDC visits more than 3,300 towns and cities as well as retail parks and shopping centres to compile its data on the state of the retail market across the UK.
