Hays Travel has opened a new branch in Bedfordshire – just nine miles from Luton Airport.

The store, located in the Quadrant Shopping Centre in Dunstable, began trading on Monday 7 July and had its official opening on Thursday 21 August.

The team is led by manager James Little who welcomed Sally Kimondo, the mayor of Dunstable, to cut the ribbon.

James, who joined Hays Travel two years ago via the New to Travel scheme, said: “The response has been amazing. The overall support we have had from everyone has been excellent. It’s great to finally be open. The first month of trading has been very good for us.

“We have had a lot of customers come in. Some were unfamiliar with the Hays Travel brand but showing them what we can do and the versatility of holidays we can sell, has really helped them get an understanding of what we can offer.”

The opening follows Jet2’s November 2024 announcement to open a base at Luton Airport, which it began operating from in April. The airline announced flights to 17 sunny destinations, including the Canary Islands, Balearic Islands, mainland Spain, Portugal, Turkey, Greece, Italy and Madeira.

On Thursday, Ryan Clayton from Jet2 Holidays also called into the branch to celebrate the grand opening.

James added: “Jet2 has been very popular with customers so far – they appreciate having access to great deals through us and a wider range of holidays from Luton Airport.”

James, who previously worked at Hays Travel’s Witney branch in Oxfordshire, says he has loved the first month in his new role.

He said: “It’s been a massive change for me. Moving away from my parents for the first time has been a big step and this is the first time I have been a branch manager.

“It has been a really good experience, and I have received a lot of support along the way.”

The new branch has seven desks and a double bureau.

Jonathon Woodall-Johnston, Chief Operating Officer of Hays Travel, added: “We are delighted to have opened a store in Dunstable.

“We have a great retail team which is looking forward to booking holidays and arranging travel money for customers.

“The new branch is just a stone’s throw away from Luton Airport which offers flights to more than 30 countries and more than 130 destinations. We will always wholeheartedly support tour operators which try to service regions of the UK better for our customers.

“I wish the fantastic new team all the best and I can’t wait to visit the branch.”