A Suffolk travel branch has reopened for the first time since the pandemic in response to rising demand for holidays.

East of England Co-op's Leiston shop - inside its supermarket - has made a welcome return to the town after closing during the pandemic in 2021.

The decision to reopen the town's only walk-in travel branch follows a boom in holiday bookings across the region.

The retail chain - based at Wherstead, Ipswich - said its Travel arm has seen sales soar by 42.5% on last year.

Data from travel association Abta suggests the UK holiday industry could hit record highs in 2024, with two-thirds of British people expecting to travel overseas in the next 12 months.

The branch will be managed by Danielle Newcombe who has been promoted from her previous role at the chain's Ravenswood travel branch in Ipswich.

"I am really excited to be heading up the return of the Leiston branch and helping the community land their perfect holidays,” she said.

East Anglian Daily Times:

Andy Rigby, chief operating officer at the East of England Co-op, said: “In a difficult economy we are pleased that for many, holidays and travel remain an exciting way to spend leisure time.

"Our experienced branch teams understand the importance of the individual and creating the right holiday for the right budget for them.

“Our travel business is in growth, which has given us the opportunity to bring our branch back to Leiston, an area not being served by any other travel business.”

Before the reopening, the closest East of England Co-op travel branches were located in Ipswich and Felixstowe.

The new branch is located inside the East of England Co-op Leiston food store on Sizewell Road and opened today (November 9).