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Travel Counsellors supercharges support for franchisees amid Coronavirus pandemic

Travel Counsellors has launched a series of support platforms to help its business owners during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The company’s dedicated Coronavirus Information Hub, which has been live for over a month, aims to deliver factual, verified and trusted information on the virus’ impact on travel, and includes FAQs, the latest airline and cruise updates, supplier policies and booking guides, as well as direct links to the World Health Organisation and country updates from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office.

Isle of Wight-based Gold Travel Counsellor, Sue Plummer, says, “I’ve been accessing the Coronavirus Information Hub on a daily basis since its launch last month, using it as an essential source of news on what has been a constantly changing situation.

“Like most of us across the travel industry I’ve been working around the clock to look after my customers, many of whom have said they could not imagine what they would have done without the help of a travel expert. Like many others within the TC community I’ve also reached out to fellow Travel Counsellor business owners to see if they need help, support or simply an extra pair of hands at this time.”

The direct impact of Coronavirus on travel across the globe has also led Travel Counsellors to create a dedicated ‘TC Support Package’, accessed via a digital hub, containing information and initiatives designed to help franchisees continue to run their businesses in the best ways possible during this period.

As well as advice on budgeting and finances, the hub points to the opportunities available for individual Travel Counsellors to access Government support following the latest announcements on help for the self-employed, as well as lifestyle advice such as hints and tips on how to maintain a positive mindset, and useful resources on home schooling.

The company is also recognising the importance of wellbeing during a stressful period for many in the travel industry, including specific advice on boosting mental health, daily exercise routines and healthy eating, as well as a reminder to lean on the support of the global Travel Counsellors community.

Sue continues, “It’s a challenging time for many business owners in the travel industry, but also an opportunity to show the difference we make to customers and each other, and I know that I have access to lots of support and advice to help me through, and nearly 2,000 colleagues across the globe who are always there to lend a listening ear at any time, day or night. As many have said before – we’re all in this together.”

The TC Support Package includes the launch of a dedicated Welfare Fund, which forms an extension of Travel Counsellors benevolent fund, and is set to help business owners who may find themselves in financial stress due to the impact of Coronavirus on their income.

In addition, Travel Counsellors has increased its digital ‘TCTV’ programmes to form a schedule of daily shows to keep the company’s business owners and support team colleagues up-to-to date, with show presenters delivering the news via webcam from their home offices.

CEO Steve Byrne says, “Our corporate and leisure Travel Counsellor business owners and support team colleagues have been working tirelessly to support their customers over the last few weeks, ensuring they feel completely cared for during what has been a very unsettling period for many.

“The feedback from customers and others that we’ve helped during this time will ensure we all bounce back. Never has the time for showing care and nurturing personal relationships with customers been more important. People will always remember how we made them feel, and we’re focussed on supporting all within our community to do the very best they can to navigate these times and come out of this stronger.

“It’s been wonderful to see the community pull together to help each other and their customers. There will be businesses boosted and careers saved over the coming weeks by being part of a supportive community and culture that enables people to come together virtually to support one another, as we look forward to the future and to continuously improving the support we provide to our business owners through our platform.”

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