Independent travel agency Bordessa Holidays will open a second shop next week, run by a staff member under a franchise agreement.
Curtis Evans, who’s been with Bordessa for five years, most recently as Sales Manager at Bordessa’s shop in Carmarthen, will run the franchise in his home town of Llanelli, a 25-minute drive away.
Co-owners Mair Jones and Chris Bordessa set up Bordessa Holidays 11 years ago in their garage, then moved to an office in Carmarthen in August 2023.
The Llanelli shop is the first of several that Mair, Chris and Curtis plan to open in the next few years.
Mair said: “This is an exciting opportunity for Curtis. He wanted to go further in his career and it was his idea to suggest a franchise. Llanelli is the next biggest town to where we are and is a great area.
“In the future, our plan is for him to open more shops towards Swansea way as franchises, and for Chris and I to open more towards Tenby in the west.”
The Llanelli shop is a former Indian restaurant in the town.
“Curtis has been working in Carmarthen during the day and going to the shop in the evenings to get it ready. I am going to go down there next week to help him with the opening and whenever cover is needed,” Mair added.
Suppliers, including easyJet holidays, MSC Cruises, Sandals and Jet2holidays, have contributed to wall art for the shop. Mair said: “We’d love to hear from any other suppliers that want to come and visit Curtis in the new branch.
“Chris and I wish Curtis every success and we’re excited to be working on this adventure together.”
Curtis said: “I started in the industry as an apprentice for EastGate, a travel agency in Llanelli, and after 12 years I’ve been keen to take the next step and have my own shop under the Bordessa Holidays name. Bordessa is a well-known brand and I’m thankful to Chris and Mair for this opportunity. I’m looking forward to customers and suppliers coming to visit us in Llanelli.”
Pictured, above left: Curtis and his daughter Mali with the keys to the shop; above right: Bordessa co-owners Mair Jones and Chris Bordessa
