Behind the Travel Desk

Danielle Denervaux • June 11, 2025

Mark Palmer, Travel Editor for The Mail, swapped his usual editorial desk this week for a front-row seat at Advantage member Beverley Travel as part of his column Inspector Calls.

Mark quickly discovered that being a travel agent is far from a simple desk job. It’s a fast-paced environment where expert knowledge, problem-solving skills, and genuine care combine to create unforgettable holidays for clients. Speaking to customers and the Beverley Travel team proved invaluable to Mark, understanding some of what goes into running a travel agent, the challenges, as well as the significant benefits for consumers. Beverley Travel’s team demonstrated just how much passion and dedication go into every booking. 


Beverley Travel opened their brand new store just weeks ago in the town of Market Weighton – 10 miles west of Beverley, where Karl Douglas and co-owner Kelly Cheesman opened their first store in 2020. 


For the team, having Mark join them in their newest store was more than just a visit, it was an opportunity to highlight the real value of personalised service in a digital age. “They say every day is a school day, I think it might have been for Mark, hearing about how we do things, the challenges we have and the special skills our team have that make us unique and our industry so special! Thank you for coming Mark, we feel honoured you chose us out of all the high street agencies in the country!”.  


Reflecting on the experience, Mark noted that the travel industry demands much more than what meets the eye. It’s a world of detail and empathy, requiring agents to be adaptable and knowledgeable amid ever-changing travel rules and customer needs. Their pride in their work was clear, and it shone through every interaction Mark witnessed throughout the day. He said: “This glimpse into the daily life of a travel agent reaffirms the essential role they play, as trusted experts, problem solvers, and memory-makers. In an increasingly automated world, the human touch remains at the heart of unforgettable travel experiences.” 


Following the launch of a third shop, Karl and Kelly have big plans to grow their retail network to five branches over the next 12 months. We can’t wait to watch you continue to thrive! 


Find out more about Beverley Travel here.


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