A message from our CEO, Steve Byrne

I hope you and your loved ones are keeping safe and well.

In what has certainly been an ever-changing environment and a challenging time for many people, please do remember we’re always at the end of the phone for a friendly chat.

As we head towards the light at the end of the tunnel, with the inevitable twists and turns that may also come along the way, it feels timely to share how we’re continuing to support our Travel Counsellors to help their customers to explore the world in safe and enjoyable ways.

I’m sure you’ll appreciate my honesty when I say that like many businesses we have felt the impact of the pandemic over recent months, but have used this time to do everything we can to bounce back better and stronger. Our ATOL-protected financial trust has protected us from the dramatic impact that many travel businesses are continuing to face, and we have taken sensible steps to ensure that we as a company are well placed to look forward to the future with confidence. Throughout this time Travel Counsellors have continued to run their corporate and leisure travel business from their home offices – a flexible way of working that many people are now taking advantage of too. As you know, working remotely isn’t a new concept for us. For over two decades we’ve empowered our business owners to work flexibly around their customers, recognising that showing true care to people should be a memorable experience that goes well beyond the 9 to 5. As the world opens up for travel again, the round-the-clock care our Travel Counsellors provide has never felt more valuable, supported by a 24/7 Duty Office and a community of nearly 2000 fellow travel professionals. I’m proud to say that every Travel Counsellor business owner, alongside each and every individual in our community, remains focussed on keeping traveller health and wellbeing at the very heart of everything we do.

Our customers are continuing to enjoy a well-earned break this year, with many more than usual in the UK of course, and many others are looking forward to an extra-special holiday in 2021 – an experience I’m sure you agree is well deserved for all.

So in the days and weeks to come, our Travel Counsellors will continue to offer their customers the most flexible options for their trip, nurturing a trusted relationship and loyal following by being their constant, ‘go-to’ guide for the latest corporate and leisure travel advice, backed by a successful business providing the support and financial security to enable them to deliver an unrivalled level of care, kindness and personal attention. Travel, after all, is one of life’s true pleasures. To be able to spend time within and beyond our shores, together with the chance to be with loved ones in an environment away from our homes has become a time to treasure. We’ve all missed these moments that matter in recent months, and the opportunity to make memories that will last a lifetime.

For our part, we’ll continue to keep our focus on caring for people – our Travel Counsellors, colleagues and customers - supporting them to explore the world in a safe, sustainable way, providing guidance, reassurance and a truly personal travel service, uniquely delivered by their trusted Travel Counsellor.