Harrogate agent sets up self-tanning brand

With travel on pause and the recent cold snap leaving much of the country covered in snow, we’re all looking a little paler than we might like.

One sun-loving agent has taken things into his own hands to help give his clients, and members of the travel industry, the “healthy glow a holiday would usually provide”.

Ben Poole, owner of Harrogate-based agency The Travel Journal, has launched a self-tanning brand as he looks to diversify during the pandemic.

Harrogate Tan launches this week, selling tanning creams and water-based sprays. He’s created three shades of tan, named after different holiday personas - The Wanderluster, The Frequent Weekender and The Party Goer.

“During the end of last year when we faced lockdowns and generally quieter times, I came to the realisation that while people locally weren’t thinking about booking holidays I needed something to entice them into the shop,” said Poole.

“Everyone feels better once they have a holiday glow, and I liked the link between travel and the tanning products - so it’s a nice complementary product to sell. Plus, the products themselves take up very little space in the shop.

“We all need some sun and this will put a much needed smile on people’s faces.”

Poole, who has worked in travel for more than 20 years, set up his own agency in January last year, and went on to open his first shop in the town’s historic Montpellier Quarter in September.


Your Stories: The Travel Journal's Ben Poole is 'bursting with energy' after opening Harrogate shop 


He said he expected to benefit from the number of domestic travellers Harrogate normally attracts, many of whom like to buy “products with Harrogate branding”.

“This should bring in new potential clients to the business too,” he said. “If they’re buying a tanning product they clearly like holidays, and it allows me to initiate conversations about helping them with their future travel plans.”

Poole is offering a 10% discount to anyone working in the travel industry, they can use the discount code ‘Friendsoftravel’ at harrogatetan.co.uk

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