Regent Travel, Stone’s independent travel agent in the High Street, celebrated its 25th anniversary in November.
Owner David Barrett set up the business back in 1986, with their first offices in the town in the building where Thorntons is now based. The business moved to its current location across the road in 2001.
David said the way that holidays are sold has been transformed over the last quarter of a century.
“It was mostly done on the telephone when we first started,” he said. “We had the most basic of computers but the telephone was the main way that customers got in touch with us. Now, everything is online. We do a lot of our business through our website. Travel has changed so much. It used to be the reserve of the elite but now anyone can travel.
“In 1986 we sold lots of package holidays. Nowadays, people can do that for themselves using the internet to book their own flights and hotels. We’ve had to diversify and look to a more exclusive product, like escorted holidays and special tours.”
How have holidaymakers’ tastes changed over the last 25 years?
“These days there is so much choice. When we started the business, Yugoslavia was the fashionable holiday destination but, politically, everything changed there. The world keeps changing and more of the world keeps opening up. People are so adventurous these days. People don’t just want the typical package holiday and to sit on the beach all day. Many people want so much more, to experience the culture and the history of where they travel to.”
So how has Regent Travel survived in a cut-throat market led by budget airlines and cheap holidays?
“Whatever business you’re in, you have to focus on customer service. Without this, there is no business. We do our utmost to look after our clients. Secondly, my team have extensive knowledge and are all keen travellers. Many of my staff have been working with me for over 20 years, so they really know their stuff. For most people, their holiday is top of their agenda and they want to make sure that it’s right. We can make sure that it is.”
As a town centre business, David is passionate about the need for high streets to continue to thrive.
“Stone’s very lucky as it has quite a name for itself as a lovely market town with lots going on. So many people work so hard to attract people into the town, with all the festivals and events that take place, but there has to be something to keep people coming back when the events have finished, something extra to entice them back. And that’s where the High Street, and the mix of businesses and cafes and restaurants that we’ve got, really plays its part.”
