Achieving £50k sales in her first month – Suvira's successful start

After a few years out of the travel industry, Suvira wanted to leave the world of tech behind and come back to what she loves. Already aware of Travel Counsellors thanks to her previous travel career, she knew it was the place she wanted to be.

Having joined us on our January induction, we caught up with Suvira to learn more about her decision to join, and to find out more about her hugely successful start as an independent travel business owner.

Hi Suvira! Tell us a little bit about what you were doing before joining Travel Counsellors?

I originally come from a hospitality background, which took me to the USA and Australia for various roles and fuelled my love for travel.

I joined the travel industry in my twenties after I returned from Australia, working on the high street for a tour operator. During my time there, I fell in love with the industry and found a real passion for creating memorable experiences for people wanting to see the world.

Eventually, due to my need for flexibility, I started to look for remote working opportunities and joined the tech industry - where I’ve been for the last three years before joining Travel Counsellors.

What were your motivations for leaving your previous role?

After three years away from the travel industry, I decided that was enough! While my previous role in tech sales was valuable, I knew that my passion had always been in travel sales. I wanted to get back to doing what I love – helping people plan bespoke, once-in-a-lifetime trips – while having the flexibility and freedom to build something of my own. After all, I was still helping family and friends to plan their trips, except for free!

Why did you want to set up your own business?

Simply, to be in control of my own success. I wanted to combine my expertise in destinations with my hospitality background and ability to build strong client relationships, offering a more personal, tailored service. Plus, being able to shape my own brand and work on my own terms was a huge motivator. I’m a big believer in setting your own work-life balance in order to find your most productive self!

How did you find out about Travel Counsellors, and what was it that appealed to you?

From networking within the travel industry I had heard of, and witnessed, success stories of peers joining Travel Counsellors. I had been following the brand for a while. The main appeal to me was the support that comes with the franchise opportunity and being part of such a positive brand within the industry. I saw other travel franchises being advertised, but I’d already made up my mind to join Travel Counsellors based of first-hand reviews.

Did you come to a Discovery Day or sign up for one of our vlogs? If so, how did attending influence your decision to join Travel Counsellors?

Yes to both! The first vlog I actually watched was in 2021 when I had plans to move to Dubai. I ended up staying in the UK and moving into the tech industry, but Travel Counsellors had consistently been on my radar since then, and I knew that if I returned to travel sales, it would be here.

I tuned in to another vlog in the UK and attended the Discovery Day at the 2024 conference in Manchester. My decision to take the leap and join was made off the back of the conference.

How would you describe your recruitment and induction experience so far?

From my initial conversation with Ashley, I’ve felt fully supported and confident in my decision to join. The training was thorough, giving me the tools and knowledge to really hit the ground running - and the ongoing support from the team hasn’t stopped. It’s clear that they genuinely want every Travel Counsellor to succeed and the encouragement has definitely made a difference.

I’ve already hit some exciting milestones and I’m looking forward to what’s next. Even though we are working for ourselves, the community here really does look after one another and my personal experience has been that everyone is willing to help if they can.

What are you most looking forward to about running your own business?

I’m most excited about the freedom to create truly bespoke experiences for my clients without the limitations. Every trip I now plan is unique, and I love the challenge of making each one perfect. I’m also looking forward to growing my brand, building a loyal client base, and seeing where the journey takes me – I’m excited for the unknown too! Recently hitting my first big milestone (£50k in my first month!) makes me even more excited for what’s ahead.

Are you ready to take control and unleash your potential, just like Suvira has? Whether you want to return to travel, take your first steps into the industry, or are currently selling business or leisure travel, we have a training programme to suit everyone. All we ask is that you have the drive and determine to run your own business, a customer-first approach, and a genuine love for travel.

If setting up your own business has piqued your interest, book onto one of our relaxed Discovery events to learn more about becoming a Travel Counsellor.