United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Polka Dot Travel announces redundancies as shops reopen
Three members of the Polka Dot Travel management team have been made redundant as the chain reopened 14 of its 19 stores today.
They are head of sales Jenny Lyons, head of marketing and business development Ash Tilsley and marketing manager Abby Dunn.
Director Mark Johnson said the company had had to make tough decisions due to the ‘huge’ downturn in the market and ‘uncertainty surrounding the industry at present’.
The independent chain has put new safety measures in place in the 14 shops it reopened.
"We anticipate that travellers will want an increased level of support and reassurance, as we slowly return to normal," said Johnson. "This means customer service, particularly face to face, to instil confidence in our customers is key.
"The problems caused to travel arrangements by Covid-19 has reminded consumers of the benefits of booking through an agent. Therefore, we think the sooner our stores open the better."
The stores re-opened are Oswestry, Shrewsbury, Wrexham, Nantwich, Llandudno, Market Drayton, Rhyl, Newcastle under Lyme, Longton, Hanley, Cannock, Leek, Lichfield, Stafford.
Polka Dot said it will see how the response is to new business and gauge how customers are’¨dealing with the new normal before deciding when to open the remaining five shops.
It added: "We will constantly review the opening of the remaining stores and aim to have all 19 shops open by October at the latest."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
Tony from Gatto’s Pizza on Columbus’s Unique Pizza Trail
Sophia Hyder Hock on Global Social Inclusion in Tourism
Sustainable Tourism: Don Welsh on Community Values and Global Collaboration
Jane Cunningham: Enhancing European Engagement in Tourism
Kristin Dunne: Navigating Destination Strategy
Revolutionizing Mobile Connectivity: Boris Bijlstra on HUBBY eSIM
Capturing Glasgow’s Vibrancy: An Interview with Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life
Lebua Hotel & Resorts: Rajan Khurana on Hospitality and Bangkok’s Charms
Sustainable Tourism and Growth: Insights from Chiravadee Khunsub from Tourism Authority of Thailand
Revolutionizing Travel: SmartSIM USA’s Dale Takio Unveils the Power of E Sims
TravelMole Interview with Hishan Singhawansa, Deputy CEO of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Sri Lanka
Unveiling the Essence of Magari Tours: A Dive into Authentic Italian Experiences
Abercrombie & Kent hails $500 million funding boost
British Airways passengers endure 11-hour 'flight to nowhere'
CLIA: Anti-cruise demos could cause itinerary changes in Europe
Gatwick braces for strike
Co-pilot faints, easyJet flight issues ‘red alert’