TUI has opened a new travel agent in Bishop Auckland - with ‘hundreds’ of holidaymakers already booking getaways.

The airline and tour operator has opened its store in the County Durham town at the new retail park.

It comes as the holiday giant revealed better than expected results and record revenues this week, and said travelling remains “very popular” despite rising prices for trips abroad.

Nationally Tui said it was seeing “high demand” for package holidays in particular, but the firm said its average prices were about four per cent higher for the summer season than a year ago.

The Northern Echo: TUI Bishop Auckland.TUI Bishop Auckland. (Image: PR)

The group’s summer programme is 60 per cent sold, with nine million bookings for the upcoming peak season, up five per cent year-on-year.

And in Bishop Auckland bosses at the new store said hundreds of travellers have already booked, with cruises proving popular.

The retail manager at the new store said: “We were all extremely excited to officially open the doors to customers this week, the atmosphere has been incredible.

“In the first day of opening, we welcomed hundreds of customers in and booked dream destinations for many travellers.

"The feedback we have had about the store has been fantastic with many customers being delighted to have us on the high street, with many saying they feel like they are on holiday the moment they walk in.

“Marella cruises have been the front-runner in popularity so far with European destinations such as Spain and Greece not being far behind.”

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The group reported pre-tax losses of 403.1 million euro (£346.6 million) for the six months to March 31, against 648.8 million euro (£557.9 million) a year earlier, but revenues jumped 15.2 per cent to eight billion euro (£6.9 billion) in the first half.

Holiday firms traditionally post losses over the quieter winter months.

The new store is open daily and adds to the company’s portfolio of 326 other branches nationwide.

It is the latest addition at the new retail park and joins the likes of Greggs and Popeyes.

Brands including Home Bargains and Pure Gym will open there in the coming weeks.