Aito Specialist C The World began trading from its new shop in Bath earlier this month following the business’s expansion into Bristol last December.

The company, founded by director Carolyn Park in 2010, now has three stores including its HQ in Easter Compton, South Gloucestershire.

Park said the Bath expansion was a “natural next step” for growing the business – which was named as one of TTG’s Top 50 Travel Agencies in April.

“Historically we have grown organically and that’s true with the Bath store; it really feels right for us,” Park told TTG. “I love the city and thought it would be a great location for an independent travel agent as there aren’t a huge amount of independent businesses there.

“Local residents support those types of businesses so it’s an exciting place for us to be.”

After Park purchased the five-storey property in Bath city centre in June, it underwent a seven-week refurbishment.

The new shop features customer consulting areas on its ground and first floors and a champagne bar in its basement.

“We saw the property and thought it was too good an opportunity to pass up. It was a wreck when we bought it but we have worked hard to get it to what it looks like now,” Park continued.

The store opened to the public on September 5 with the addition of two new travel consultants to C The World’s ranks – taking its overall number of staff to nine.