A TRAVEL agency has opened a new branch in Ringwood.

Fred. Olsen Travel Agents opened its brand-new concept store in the high street on June 19, following a partnership with Cunard, Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, P&O Crises, Princess Cruises and Seabourn.

It is Olsen Travel’s 21st retail travel agency and eighth in the Hampshire and Dorset region, but is the company’s first ever multi-brand concept store to showcase cruise brands from the same stable.

Each is set to support the branch design with in-store branding, brochure racking, marketing and dedicated promotions.

The store was officially opened by Mayor Cllr. Rae Frederick alongside Director of UK Sales at Cunard, Tom Mahoney.

It is located in a Grade II listed building in Ringwood High Street, and will be managed by Rose Price, assisted by Clare Ruffell and Nicole Warren.

The company is currently recruiting to further expand the team.

Paul Hardwick, Fred. Olsen Travel’s director of retail, said: “We are delighted to have opened our newest concept store in Ringwood, which is a perfect location for us.

"The support of the Carnival cruise brands has been instrumental in helping us develop a fresh, exciting travel environment to showcase not only our own brand but some of the biggest cruise companies as well.

"We are looking forward to offering all holidays and cruises to the people of Ringwood and the surrounding communities through the personalised, knowledgeable service of Rose and her team.

"We are proud to continue to open up new shops on the high street and support the local community in choosing their next dream holiday.”

Tom Mahoney, director of UK Sales at Cunard, said: “The opening of this new concept store will strengthen our partnership with Fred Olsen Travel.

"This dedicated high street space brilliantly showcases the exceptional cruise experiences our brand is known for and it is fantastic to have so many adventures at sea on display here in Hampshire, just a short drive from our UK headquarters in Southampton.

"This collaboration highlights the innovation that exists in the cruise sector and shows that the future is bright for high street retail agencies.”