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Travel agencies replaced by tattoo parlours and betting shops
The number of high street travel agencies has almost halved over the past decade, according to a new study of 2,000 locations.
They have been replaced by tattoo parlours, convenience stores, betting shops and cafes.
Data gathering firm Experian blamed the rise of online shopping and the popularity of out of town shopping malls for a 46% fall in the number high street travel agencies.
Video rental outfits, such as Blockbusters, have also virtually disappeared following the launch of film streaming sites such as Netflix, and camera shops are struggling due to photo-sharing sites like Instagram.
The study found that high streets were becoming more social places and places to go for goods and services that could only be bought in person.
Experian said there are now almost three times more tattoo parlours and convenience stores in Britain’s high streets than 10 years ago.
Also up are gyms (114%), fish and chip shops (86%), general takeaways (54%) and betting shops (35%).
Experian senior consultant Richard Jenkings said: "The high street has clearly become a more social environment, with more restaurants, cafes and leisure facilities emerging."
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
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