Abergele woman opens only travel agency in the town

Donna Grasby launched Travelosophers by Donna, on Bridge Street (next to The Butty Box), on Friday, July 19.

After years in the travel industry as a homeworker for Hays Travel, Donna joined Travelosophers last September, giving her the chance to provide her clients with more opportunities.

She plans for her travel agency to be a “one-stop shop” and a “comfortable space” for clients.

(L-R) Kirsty Mitchell (Cyplon Holidays), Donna Grasby, Nisha Bean (Travelosophers BDM) and Freya Sutcliffe (Newmarket Holidays) (Image: Donna Grasby)

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Donna said: “The opening went well, with visits from tour operators such as Cyplon Holidays, Newmarket Holidays and If Only.

“I received such a warm welcome from the community, and Cllr Alan Hunter, who has done amazing things for Abergele, called in to welcome me and thank me for opening the agency.

“I’ve had customers in for their summer holidays, city breaks and coach breaks, and lots of talk of cruises!

“I’ve had local shop owners call in and message me to wish me luck and congratulate me; it’s been so lovely! 

“I’ve just got to watch my waistline now, being placed between the lovely Butty Box and Abergele Fish Bar!”

The nearest travel agency to Abergele, prior to Donna opening her store, was in Llandudno.

She also has previous experience of working in travel call centres and as an overseas holiday rep.

Her daughter, Grace, 16, plans to join Donna at the travel agency after she has completed her A-Levels in two years’ times.

Donna Grasby and her daughter, Grace (Image: Donna Grasby)

Travelosophers sales director, Stephanie Robins, said: “I am over the moon that one of our wonderful Travelosophers has taken the step in opening their very own retail store.

“The location of the store is perfect, with no other travel agents in the town.

“We are super excited at head office to guide and support Donna on her new retail journey.”

Donna’s opening hours are 9am-5pm, Monday to Saturday, from then on; though, on some days, she will extend her opening times to 7pm.

Prior to opening, she told the Journal: “I’ll be hosting some nice evenings with tourist boards, so people can learn more about the places they wanted to go travelling to.

“I’m also hoping to host some specialised hen or stag do evenings, where people can come in and find out what I can do for them in that regard. I’m also planning a special golf excursion in Africa, as well.

“I want it to be a comfortable space. It’s not necessarily a traditional travel agency. I want people to make themselves comfortable in here, where they can come and put their ideas to me and we can work it out together.”