Travel Counsellors recruits a record number of new business owners in both leisure and corporate travel

Since January 2023, we have recruited more new business owners than the whole of last year - a 25% increase year-on-year.

In fact, since our new financial year started in November 2022, we have had over 200 new business owners join. A third of these new franchisees are returning to the travel industry post-pandemic.

Last week alone we saw 14 new Travel Counsellors join. These included people from luxury tour operators, the world of corporate travel and even those who have previously been Travel Counsellors' assistants now choosing to set up their own business - highlighting the wide range of experience and backgrounds.

We have also seen a sharp rise in the business travel sector, with over 20 new corporate travel specialists wanting to set up their own business. We have witnessed huge growth in the business travel sector, and were recently ranked 14th in the UK and 19th in Europe in Business Travel News Europe’s annual survey. More Travel Counsellors than ever are now selling business travel - with nearly 350 in the UK alone - as they take advantage of the shift in corporate travel perception, with clients opting for a more bespoke and personal service.

Matt Harding, General Manager at Travel Counsellors said: “It’s brilliant to see the record number of new Travel Counsellors we have joining the community as travel continues to boom. We have a very scalable business model and to continue to achieve our record growth we need to ensure we are recruiting the highest calibre talent for both leisure and business travel who share our core values and culture.

“We offer a range of options in terms of joining, all underpinned by the highest level of training and access to our global support network and technology including Phenix, our bespoke-built, high touch, in-house travel booking platform. It enables our business owners to offer a really personal service and create truly tailor-made travel itineraries. Everything shows that we expect to see the number of new business owners continuing to rise throughout the rest of the year.”

Karen Thornton joined Travel Counsellors in 2020 and has been focused on building her business in the premium leisure space. Karen said: “I’ve worked in the travel industry for over 30 years and travel is my absolute passion. For me it was a logical step – I take great pride in being able to share my vast travel knowledge and getting to know my clients to ensure that I offer a very personal and tailor-made service. I love the fact that I can build relationships with my customers and ensure they have a seamless experience from that initial enquiry to travelling on that truly memorable holiday. The support I have had from Travel Counsellors in making the switch to working for myself has been invaluable, and it is incredible to have the latest market-leading technology at my fingertips.”

Like the sound of being your own boss and being part of our caring community? Register for our Discovery Day on 27th September.