The company was recently supported by Danske Bank, which provided a loan through the government’s Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Support Scheme (CBILS).
Oasis Travel has been in operation for more than 35 years, providing customers with expert guidance, value and choice from six branches in Lisburn, Belfast, Bangor and Holywood.
The company specialises in cruises, city breaks, weddings and honeymoons and ski holidays, as well as planning unique trips to suit specific requirements.
Sandra Corkin, managing director at Oasis Travel, said:
“We have been really encouraged by the approach that our customers have taken since COVID-19 first started to impact travel plans. By rescheduling rather than cancelling they have demonstrated their confidence in the travel industry, and their optimism that they will soon be able to move as freely as they once could around the world. Understandably attention is focused on making these experiences as safe as possible and we work hard to deliver this reassurance for every location.
“This has been an incredibly challenging year for the industry. The support we’ve received from Danske Bank has been vital in getting our business through the lockdown and we are already looking forward to a busy 2021. We can also see the demand for travel agents increasing as a result of this pandemic. Holiday makers want to make sure they are fully aware of quarantine restrictions, cancellation terms, insurance requirements and safety regulations before booking as well as having financial protection for their holiday arrangements.”
She added: “All of our branches were deep cleaned in advance of our reopening in July and we will have an enhanced daily cleaning schedule. We have redesigned our spaces to ensure social distancing can be adhered to at all times to provide our customers with reassurance.”
Michelle Wilson, business banking manager at Danske Bank, said:
“Oasis Travel has been an established travel agency in Northern Ireland for over 35 years, and we’re pleased to be able to support this successful local business with a CBILS loan. While the industry was severely affected by COVID-19, the rescheduling of travel plans for next year shows that customers trust in the resilience of the companies at the heart of it, who are going above and beyond to deliver safe and enjoyable holidays.”