On Saturday, 1 February, at 11am, a new independent travel agent opened its doors to the community on Victoria Road in Surbiton, next door to Regency Book Store.

7 Seas Holidays is a family-run business with 25 years of experience in the travel industry.

The family who run 7 Seas Holidays and are based in Mitcham have had a office in Wandsworth for ten years and decided to open a new office in Surbiton as the family are "looking to change and grow", says 7 Seas' owner's son, Sajeel Ahmed.

7 Seas Holidays is family-run business (Credit: Tilly O'Brien)

Sajeel told Kingston Nub that the family wanted to find an "interesting and diverse area" for their new office because "travelling is diverse".

He said: "We weren't looking for that long and Surbiton was an easy pick because there's lots of culture and lots of people from different backgrounds."

7 Seas Holidays focuses on cruises and luxury holidays and has won numerous awards, including the International Travel Awards in both 2021 and 2024.

It has also been voted in the top three and top 50 best travel agents in London.

7 Seas Holidays won various awards (Credit: Tilly O'Brien)

Sajeel said: "We're mostly customer focused. So, the best thing for us is attracting customers and obviously giving the best service."

Speaking about the potential dying nature of physical travel agencies with many travellers choosing to book holidays online, Sajeel said: "We work because people don't trust paying over the phone with all the scams out there, they feel much safer talking to a real person in person."

At the opening, the Mayor of Kingston, Liz Green, popped by to cut the ribbon and cut a very delicious cake.

There was a very delicious cake at the opening (Credit: Tilly O'Brien)

Speaking about the opening of 7 Seas Holidays, Mayor Green said: "So it's absolutely great to have an independent travel agent taking this space.

"It's really, really nice to have them working, wanting to come to Surbiton from Wandsworth. And I hope our community uses them well."

Mayor of Kingston, Liz Green, attended the opening and cut the ribbon (Credit: Tilly O'Brien)

There were also free refreshments on hand throughout the day and the whole family behind the business were around to answer any questions about the agency.

Free refreshments were available at the opening (Credit: Tilly O'Brien)

Moreover, there were various councillors popping in.

Speaking about his newest adventure in Surbiton, 7 Seas' owner, Shakeel Ahmed, said: "We are excited because this is a very nice area in terms of demographics.

"There is no travel company in this area.

"We are one of the members of ABTA and we are a member of Elite Travel, which is an advantage and adds value to the business.

"If anybody wants to book; they will see that they are protected under any financial regulations.

"So, we are very excited that we are the only travel agency here in Surbiton, and we know we will do something really good for the community."

Shakeel Ahmed owns 7 Seas Holidays and runs it with his family, including his son Sajeel Ahmed (Credit: Tilly O'Brien)

As well as luxury holidays and cruises, 7 Seas Holidays also helps clients book multi centre holidays, beach holidays, honeymoons, family holidays, all-inclusive holidays, and flights.

To book in an appointment, either head to the office in Surbiton, email the family at [email protected] or call them on 02039680900.

If you'd like to book a video appointment or find out more about what 7 Seas Holidays has on offer, visit its website.