How first-hand insight into our community sealed the deal for Debbie

Setting up your own franchise can be daunting, but one of the things that can put your mind at ease is getting a true feel for the business you’re thinking of joining. With Travel Counsellors, there’s no better way to do that than by attending one of our regular Discovery events.

Meet Debbie, who recently joined us as she wanted to get back into the industry she loves – but not before joining us at one of our mini conferences so she could see our community in action. Learn more about Debbie’s journey and find out why booking onto one of our events could be just the encouragement you need to take the plunge and set up your own travel franchise.

Welcome to our community, Debbie! Could you start by telling us a bit about your career before becoming a Travel Counsellor?

I’ve been in travel for 30 years, working in various roles along the way. I started out as a coach hostess for a local coach company who provided beach holidays to Spain and Italy back in 1992! I started as a two-week work experience girl and ended up completing two summers around my travel and tourism studies. I loved it! It was a lot of fun, and I spent six days a week on the road. For an 18-year-old, it was an absolute blast!

I then joined Air2000 as cabin crew in 1994. I spent eight happy years there, progressing up the ranks to be a Flight Supervisor. When they closed the base in 2011, I had a short spell with Air Atlanta before returning to what was then First Choice Airways as a member of their cabin crew management team. I was responsible for over 1000 cabin crew based at Manchester Airport and I stayed in this role for 16 years (there is not much I haven't dealt with!). I left in 2021 after the pandemic. I felt it was time for a change both personally and professionally, but I loved my time in aviation and will always look back on it with fondness. I then went on to set up my own languages business.

What was it that appealed to you about Travel Counsellors?

After closing my languages business due to the cost-of-living crisis and family members’ ill health, I took six months off. By January 2024, I realised I really missed travel, but I wanted to work from home. I knew an old colleague had done a similar role, so I contacted her for advice and the rest is history.

Why did you decide to attend our TC Together mini conference?

I wanted to learn more and meet other Travel Counsellors. I was keen to see how the business operated and how business owners were motivated - and I wasn't disappointed. I loved the TC Together event that I attended in Manchester.

How did attending TC Together influence your decision to join?

It gave me a real insight into what being a Travel Counsellor entails. I loved listening to the team and their feedback on previous months. Steve Byrne (the CEO of Travel Counsellors) gave an amazing speech and it was very 'real' - I loved his approach. I was very impressed by how professional the whole day was. I even met a girl who ended up being on my induction, as well as a Travel Counsellor who lives in the same town as me.

How have you found the recruitment and induction process?

It was intense and there's so much to learn, but the approach was fun and light-hearted. We bonded as a group straight away and the training team are fabulous. Nothing is too much trouble, and when you're ‘having a moment’ they are there to pick you up. I couldn't fault it.

What do you think sets Travel Counsellors apart from other travel franchises?

The professionalism! It's what attracted me to the company from the start. And the welcome! I'm not just saying this, everyone is so welcoming and friendly. Whether it be a training session, a takeover day or an event - everyone is just so approachable, kind, and helpful. It's a real team feeling, even though you’re working from home.

How did you know it was the right time to join Travel Counsellors?

From the minute I met Julia from the Franchise Sales Team at Venus (the Travel Counsellors Support Hub), I knew it was for me. It had the right vibe and the people felt like my kind of people. I knew it was right for me straightaway.

What are you looking forward to most about being a Travel Counsellor?

I’m looking forward to the work-life balance that I can create for me and my family, but still being part of an industry that I love! I love helping people and making a difference, so this role is perfect for me.

Why do you think it’s important for potential joiners to attend one of our Discovery events?

It gives you a true reflection of what Travel Counsellors is all about, and it’s an opportunity to meet like-minded people who love to offer the best service to their customers.

We’ve still got a number of Discovery events taking place over the next few months, so why not join us and get a feel for our community for yourself? You’ll meet our Franchise Sales team, hear from our thriving business owners, and see our support teams in action. Book your spot today!