Leiston travel branch re-opens in response to holiday demand increase

The East of England Co-op, the region's largest independent retailer, has re-opened its Leiston travel branch.

The travel branch, located in the East of England Co-op food store in Leiston, has made a welcome return to the town after closing during the pandemic in 2021. Its return makes it the only walk-in travel branch in Leiston. The decision to bring the business back was made following a boom in holiday bookings across the region, with sales at East of England Co-op Travel up 42.5% on last year. A recent report from travel association Abta says that Britons’ holidaying could hit record highs in 2024*, with two-thirds of British people expecting to travel overseas in the next 12 months. 

The branch will be managed by Danielle Newcombe, after a promotion from her previous role at the Ravenswood travel branch in Ipswich. Danielle commented: “Getting the right, in-person advice when you are planning your holiday, is very important to our customers. As independent travel agents, we have access to the widest range of holidays on the high street and it is really rewarding to help turn holiday dreams into a reality. I am really excited to be heading up the return of the Leiston branch and helping the community land their perfect holidays.” 

Commenting on the decision to re-open the branch, Andy Rigby, Chief Operating Officer at the East of England Co-op, said: “In a difficult economy we are pleased that for many, holidays and travel remain an exciting way to spend leisure time. Our experienced branch teams understand the importance of the individual and creating the right holiday for the right budget for them. 

“Our travel business is in growth, which has given us the opportunity to bring our branch back to Leiston, an area not being served by any other travel business.” 

Before this reopening, the closest East of England Co-op travel branches were located in Ipswich and Felixstowe. 

The new travel branch is located inside the East of England Co-op Leiston food store on Sizewell Road and opened on the 9 November.
 

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