New business owners boom at Travel Counsellors

Travel Counsellors Corporate MD, Kieran Hartwell, said, “With many people much more accustomed to working remotely over recent months the opportunity to launch a new business from home is both desirable and familiar, but they’re also discovering that they can work in duos, trios and teams, employ assistants or migrate their high street store to a flexible working model whilst sharing our commitment to care, and looking after a loyal leisure and corporate customer base nurtured over many years.

New Travel Counsellors launching a leisure travel business in August shifted their immediate focus to Greece and Turkey, with both destinations seeing a 70% increase in bookings made by franchisees in the same time last year. New leisure Travel Counsellors are also bolstering their business with bookings for Winter 2021, with long-haul holidays to Mexico and the Maldives both 85% up compared to the same period last year, as well as supporting their customers to secure Summer 2021 holidays in Europe early.

Kieran continues, “We know it’s a very difficult time for many people in the industry, and the situation is also fuelling a growing trend towards independent corporate travel consultants and micro TMCs being formed from teams of people who are facing an uncertain future. These experienced travel professionals are taking a long-term view, taking this time as an opportunity to launch a new venture and lay the foundations for a successful business as travellers seek safe ways to get moving again.”

Further figures state that over 40% of August joiners, and those scheduled to launch their new business in September and October, have been referred to the company by fellow Travel Counsellors.

Kieran adds, “It’s key that the industry now pulls together to support each other wherever and whenever we can, which includes recommending the opportunities available for fellow travel professionals.

“With ever-changing travel advice this is the time for experienced travel professionals to shine, demonstrate their value and show care for their customers and clients like no one else can. The time for trusted travel advisers and travel managers to demonstrate the essential part they play in creating seamless, stress-free travel experiences, where every last detail is taken care of, is now.”

The company has adapted its induction training for new Travel Counsellors to deliver interactive sessions via webcam, enabling new business owners to virtually ‘meet’ with fellow franchisees and members of the company’s support team.