A husband-and-wife team will open a high street agency in their home town of Hythe in Kent on Saturday.
Natalie and Darron Whitcombe are planning a celebration to mark the launch of the premises for Hythe & Seek Travel at Red Lion Square, Chapel Street.
They set up the agency earlier this year, becoming members of the Travel Trust Association (TTA), which is part of The Travel Network Group (TTNG).
Natalie, who runs an HR consultancy, and Darron, who runs a transport consultancy, have travelled extensively and have booked travel for friends and family.
They like to visit places such as Australia, the Caribbean, Asia and Christmas markets in Europe – and they hop over to France as they are close to the border.
Natalie is Maltese so they also regularly visit Malta to see family.
“Darron’s transport background has helped him, and both of us running our own businesses and entrepreneurial flair will help us with our plans,” said Natalie.
They have also been taking bookings while they have been decorating the new shop, which they saw was empty when they walked by earlier this year.
“We walked past as the owner was in there; it was empty and we asked what was happening with it – fate really,” said Natalie.
“We want to bring back face-to-face customer service – booking holidays excites us, seeing everyone’s dreams become a reality.
“We love the idea of people being able to come in and talk to us about their plans.”
She said they have joined TTA and TTNG as it is “a great supportive place” with “people to help us on our way.”
They are spreading the word about their new business via word-of-mouth as well as social media channels such as Facebook and Instagram.
Natalie said it has been a hectic time juggling work and family life, as they also have two children and a dog.
“The kids are excited and want to be onboard with it all, so they will be joining us for the opening,” she said.
The local mayor will cut the ribbon to open the agency on Saturday and there will be sweets, drinks and fizz for guests, supplied by local firms Oh My Goodies, Mit Milch Coffee and Silverhand Estate.
