Friesen Travel Group has opened a new Expedia Cruises storefront at 310 Wellington Street, Unit 5 in St. Thomas, the company announced this week. The location marks the group's 18th agency in Ontario and is pitched as a modern, face-to-face option for residents seeking help with cruises, resorts, flights and travel insurance.
Brick-and-mortar travel in a digital age
In an era when online booking portals and travel apps dominate, the new storefront underscores a belief among some travel companies that in-person service still matters. The agency will operate under the Expedia Cruises banner and staff Vacation Consultants to assist customers with a range of trip types, including cruise vacations and all-inclusive resorts.
The company said the St. Thomas office is meant to provide a more local option for people who previously travelled to London or used digital channels for planned itineraries. The Friesen Travel Group has relied on a London-based team to serve St. Thomas clients historically; the new location aims to bring that service physically closer to the community.
“We are incredibly excited to bring Expedia Cruises to St. Thomas,” said Shawn Friesen, president of Friesen Travel Group. “Our London teams have a long history of helping St. Thomas residents create unforgettable travel memories. Now, we are bringing that high-touch, face-to-face service closer to home, making it easier than ever for our neighbours to plan their next great adventure.”
Services, local impact and what to expect
The new storefront will offer in-person consultations covering:
- Ship-based cruise bookings
- All-inclusive resort packages
- Flights and hotel arrangements
- Travel insurance
Friesen Travel Group describes the space as a welcoming, modern retail environment. For St. Thomas residents, the presence of a dedicated travel office can remove the need to travel to London for consultations or rely solely on online platforms when planning complex trips.
| Feature | Offered at St. Thomas Expedia Cruises |
|---|---|
| Cruise bookings | Yes |
| All-inclusive resorts | Yes |
| Travel insurance | Yes |
| Walk-in consultations | Planned |
Local context and considerations
St. Thomas sits between urban centres and rural communities in southwestern Ontario, and services that reduce travel for appointments are often welcomed by residents who commute for work or errands. A local travel office can be particularly useful for older travellers, families planning multi-person trips, or people arranging complex itineraries who prefer face-to-face planning.
Retail openings also contribute to downtown activity by bringing foot traffic into commercial strips. Wellington Street has seen a mix of retail and service offerings; the arrival of a branded travel agency adds to that retail diversity. While the company has not disclosed staffing numbers for the new office, the presence of local Vacation Consultants suggests some direct employment and potential partnership opportunities with regional tourism operators.
Friesen Travel Group's move reflects a broader retail strategy among some travel companies that combine a national brand and booking technology with local, in-person advice. For residents of St. Thomas, the new Expedia Cruises storefront offers an additional option when planning vacations and could reshape where some people seek travel guidance in the region.
Residents can visit the office at 310 Wellington Street, Unit 5 for consultations and bookings; the group has said the site will welcome customers seeking personalised planning services.
