High-street travel operators continue to witness growth in the recession, according to travel recruiters.

As online booking site Lastminute.com announces it plans to open retail outlets, John Tolmie, managing director at AA Appointments, told Recruiter: “The general public has been worried recently by the demise of some high profile travel players; XL, Eos and Silverjet have made them nervous about booking with less well known operators. The movement isn’t away from online to high street, more from less known operators to better known operators who can provide the security they desire.

“Online is still a very strong sector and is holding up well.”

Julia Feuell, managing director at New Frontiers, adds: “At one time it was suggested that the internet would be the end of travel agencies (and recruitment agencies for that matter.) However, travel agencies have remained in force (although reducing numbers) and are now poised to expand and prosper with renewed vigour.

“The reason I understand from talking to agents is that the public is now going back to trusting bonded travel agencies. There has been a noticeable swing this way since XL went bust. It would appear that consumers aren’t convinced that booking online is safe now and are also not convinced it’s cheaper.”

The re-emergence of the high street does not spell the end for online travel operators however, according to Ian Brooks, director at Gail Kenny Executive Search: “The online sector remains robust in the recession. This move by Lastminute is more about using high profile retail positions in a few large cities to promote its brand. Being online gives Lastminute nationwide coverage and with low booking costs. The shops are likely to sell high margin travel related accessories rather than package holidays. Demand for high calibre online managers remains strong.”