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Fred. Olsen Travel acquires south coast travel agency
Fred. Olsen Travel has just acquired its 21st retail travel agency.
This month it purchased Solent World Travel in Lee-on-Solent, which becomes its 11th on the South coast.
It represents the eighth new or acquired travel agency store since 2021.
Previously owned by the Advantage Travel Partnership for the last 11 years, the travel agency has been operating in the same shop in Lee-on-Solent for 34 years, albeit under different names.
Current manager, Chris Dewey, who has worked in the store since it opened 34 years ago, had already been planning to retire prior to the acquisition.
He will retire at the end of June having spent 44 years in the travel industry.
The three remaining staff will continue to work for Solent World Travel as part of Fred. Olsen Travel,.
One is being promoted to Manager and a fourth member of staff is being recruited.
Paul Hardwick, Fred. Olsen Travel’s Director of Retail, said: “The business is a fantastic fit for us and I cannot wait to continue the legacy that Chris Dewey and his team have built within the community. “
Chris Dewey, Branch Manager of Solent World Travel, added: “It has been an honour to look after the holidays of so many customers.”
Julia Lo Bue-Said, CEO, The Advantage Travel Partnership, said: “Solent World Travel, led by Chris Dewey, has been a highly-regarded part of the Advantage family for more than 15 years.”
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