Strong start to year for travel firm

Shropshire’s award-winning independent travel agent has had a strong start to the year, with record sales figures, an award, and the unveiling of a newly-renovated shop in Shrewsbury’s town centre.

Claire Moore, managing director at Peakes Travel Elite, said last year’s sales figures were up and 2026 had already enjoyed above-average footfall, with customers booking in exciting and exotic trips around the world.

Claire said, “The latest holiday trend is all about expedition cruising. You can reach the world’s most remote corners in smaller ships, such as Antarctica, the Galápagos, or Arctic Norway - places that larger vessels can't reach. For travellers seeking authentic experiences in extraordinary places, it’s the next big thing in travel.

The renovated shop space has a new area at the front where customers can relax and browse travel brochures while they wait for their appointment.

Peakes Travel Elite also received  the AITO (The Specialist Travel Association) Silver Agent Excellence Award at the All Stars Gala Dinner Awards 2026. The award recognises their pro-activeness in providing the highest level of customer satisfaction.

Peakes Travel Elite has also announced the return of its ‘Meet The Expert’ in-store events. Each event is dedicated to a particular country, with a subject matter expert brought in to Peakes for a day of one-to-one appointments. They are hosting a Latin America expert from Distinctive Americas on February 14, and a Japan expert from Inside Asia on March 21.