Swords Travel, Wimbledon

Swords Travel, Wimbledon
One of TTG’s Top 50 Travel Agencies 2020

Swords Travel’s swish store on Wimbledon high street is an outstanding example of how a modern luxury travel agency should look. One of the first things to hit you is a range of cool Slim Aarons photography chosen from Galerie Prints as part of a relationship with the local art gallery.

You’re likely to be offered a fresh coffee (using recyclable Nespresso pods) and a fresh croissant – maybe champagne or a G&T, depending on the time of day – and invited to take a seat to discuss travel plans at a long table at the front of the store with owners Mark and Stuart Swords or two other consultants.

The brightly coloured store, created in just 14 weeks by converting a former mechanics garage at a cost of £30,000, also boasts a large TV screen to show inspirational content, and sleek Apple computers.

Swords Travel has found a niche for themselves as the go-to for local families; it helps they also have a fun African-themed play area that’s as stylish as the rest of the shop.

The business started four years ago, but the Swords only made the move onto the high street last summer, with the local mayor opening the shop officially in September.

This well-travelled crew spend a lot of time honing their global knowledge; staff made 20 trips between them last year. And not only do they know their travel stuff, they can pull off a strategic marketing plan with aplomb, run monthly in-store events too, and also found time last year to overhaul their website. Masters of social media as well as designing a stylish window, they also send thoughtful gifts and travel books to clients to ensure a personal touch.

Raising money for charities including Donate 4 Refugees and finding prizes for the mayor’s charity ball and local school events is also important to the agency, while Mark always steers clients going to Cape Town towards township restaurant 4Roomed to ensure they enjoy a local experience that supports the community.

swordstravel.co.uk