Harmony Voyages has marked a new chapter with its first high street presence in Clitheroe.
- Originating from a blend of music festivals and travel services, the agency focuses on theme-based trips.
- The agency’s new location offers a broader range of travel experiences with an emphasis on high-end cruises.
- Targeted mainly at the over-55s demographic, the new shop expects significant repeat visits.
- The shift to a physical location aims to enhance customer service through an appointment system.
Harmony Voyages, a family-run travel agency established in 2019, has expanded its operations by opening a high street shop in Clitheroe. This development comes in the wake of a successful merger between Costa Festival, known for organising music festivals, and Dreamcatcher Travel. Operating under a Fred Olsen Travel licence, Harmony Voyages has carved a niche by offering customised festival holidays and specially curated trips that focus on themes such as music and activities.
Before setting up their shop in Clitheroe, the agency conducted its business from an office in Holmes Mill in the same town. The decision to move onto the high street stemmed from a need for more office space. Angela Schofield, a director at Harmony Voyages, stated that the expansion was a step towards bringing their expertise in high-end cruising to a broader audience while providing existing clients with opportunities for independent travel bookings.
The agency goes beyond standard travel experiences, providing exclusive hotel use, coordinating event logistics such as staging, lighting, and PA systems, and arranging flights for performers and guests involved in their festival tours. This holistic approach underscores their commitment to delivering specialised, quality experiences for their clientele.
Since its opening, the high street branch has noted specific travel interests among its customers, including trips to Japan and Thailand, as well as Mediterranean cruises. With a team of at least four employees, the shop operates on an appointment-only basis, ensuring personalised service.
Emma Hartley, a travel advisor at Harmony Voyages, highlighted the agency’s strong repeat customer base, particularly among those over the age of 55. The agency has leveraged this loyal demographic to support its high street endeavors, suggesting that this established client network will significantly benefit from the agency’s increased accessibility.
The Clitheroe location, previously a bar that closed in 2023, underwent extensive refurbishment before Harmony Voyages occupied it. The agency believes that its appointment-only system will enable them to maintain the high level of customer service that their music-themed holidays are known for.
The new high street outlet in Clitheroe represents Harmony Voyages’ commitment to providing tailored travel experiences.
