Your questions, answered

What experience do I need to become a Travel Counsellor?

Everyone has a route to becoming a Travel Counsellor, whether you’ve got years of experience selling travel or are completely new to the industry. We currently offer the following routes:

• Leisure: For travel professionals with a minimum of 3/4 years’ recent experience in a role selling travel.

• Corporate: For travel professionals with a minimum of 3/4 years’ experience in managing travel for corporate clients.

• Travel Academy: For people who don’t have any previous experience in the travel industry but are well travelled. Or for people who have previously worked in other areas - such as sales, marketing, hospitality - but not selling holidays directly to customers.

• Return to Travel: For travel professionals with a minimum of 3/4 years’ experience in a role selling travel, but who have had a break of more than 12 months.

• Agency Owner: For those currently running their own independent travel agency.

Our franchise team will be happy to discuss your individual experience and advise you on the best route for you.

What does it cost to become a Travel Counsellor?

The joining fees depend on your route of entry, and your previous background in travel.

• Leisure, corporate are priced at €750 +VAT

• Return to travel is €1,500 + VAT

• Travel Academy is €6,000 + VAT. Get in touch to discuss

• Agency owners: We'd love to discuss with you one-to-one

• After joining, the monthly fee is €48 +VAT

The joining and monthly fees cover everything you need to set up and run your business, with all Travel Counsellors trademark and brand privileges. Compared to other franchises - inside and outside of travel - we’re competitively priced and widely regarded as the most supportive travel franchise around

Will you help me market my business?

Of course. You’ll have access to professional and effective marketing materials created by our talented team of creatives. We’re also on hand with plenty of tips on how to market yourself in your local area.

If you’d like to discuss upcoming marketing campaigns, our marketing team is always just a call away.

Is there out of hours support?

Our duty office is available 24/7 to help and support both you and your customers should an issue arise, either pre-departure or in-resort.

The duty office monitors worldwide events. If an issue arises that may affect your clients, they’ll communicate accordingly. They’ll also run a report to identify the bookings that may be in-resort or travelling imminently and notify you of any bookings affected.

The Travel Counsellor and the duty office work together to ensure customers are always looked after.

All our systems are available 24/7, no matter where in the world you are. The majority of our support teams are contactable during traditional office hours, with key teams also available in the evenings and at weekends.

What happens when I go on holiday?

We all need a break, and we make sure your business won’t suffer while you’re taking some well-earned time away. We operate a buddy system, so a Travel Counsellor colleague will look after your customers while you recharge your batteries. We just ask that you return the favour.

What support is available?

Our TC Support Portal is your first port-of-call for all help and enquiries. You’ll find resources and similar questions from other Travel Counsellors - which are constantly being added to - allowing you to get the answers you need so you can carry on with what you were doing.

If you can't find what you need, you can submit an enquiry which will be picked up by our TC support team, who are a multi-skilled team of travel experts. We also have our team at the office in Cork who are there for you every step of your journey.

I've always enjoyed going on educational trips. Will I still have that opportunity?

Sure. We understand that to sell a destination, first-hand experience is invaluable. Thanks to our strong supplier relationships, we’re delighted to offer a wide range of educational opportunities to all Travel Counsellors.

Do you provide leads?

No, we don’t - that’s up to you. You’ll build your client base from your personal network and through referrals. This ensures the quality of the leads, rather than wasting your time with 'cold' leads.

We suggest that you compile a list of family, friends and other personal contacts who you feel comfortable will support your new venture.

You’ll receive our full support to help you nurture a loyal customer base, promote your business and attract new leads.

Can I employ my own staff?

Absolutely, and we encourage our Travel Counsellors to flex our business model and run their businesses in a way that suits them and their customers.

However, we would encourage you to carefully consider the financial implications and responsibilities if you decide to build a team.

Is there an IATA licence and Licensing and Bonding?

Yes, you can process scheduled air bookings, and the ticketing is done by our team at head office. We also have our own consolidated and ITX rates with all the major airlines that fly in and out of Ireland.

Travel Counsellors Ireland are licensed and bonded with the IAA – Irish Aviation Authority.

How much can I earn as a Travel Counsellor?

The average Travel Counsellor earns €48,000 a year – that’s a lot more than the average travel agent in Ireland. Many of our ‘Gold’ and Corporate Travel Counsellors earn more than €120,000 each year.

Your earning potential is completely uncapped, so the more you put in, the more you get out.

What is the commission split?

Our commission model is based on a 60/40 split. You take 60% of the profit you make on your bookings, and with our in-house booking system, Phenix, you’ll have complete control over the margin you set on these package bookings.

Our Travel Counsellors tell us that the service and support they receive from us, makes the 60/40 split great value for money.

Is there anything I can offer my customers as a Travel Counsellor which sets me apart?

Yes, lots of things. Our Travel Counsellors stand apart by building personal relationships with their customers and delivering the highest level of personal service and care of anyone in the travel industry.

It’s also our unique approach to travel that makes us different from the rest. You’ll be able to offer your customers an authentic, tailor-made travel service, creating bespoke, 'one-off' itineraries that cannot be found anywhere else.

And that’s what keeps our customers coming back again and again. In fact, 96% say they would recommend Travel Counsellors to their friends, family and colleagues.

Can I choose my own hours?

Yes - it’s your business, so you’re the boss. Just make sure you’re devoting enough time to developing your business and nurturing your customer base.

If you’re working one hour a day and expecting incredible rewards, you might be disappointed – it’s no coincidence that our most successful Travel Counsellors are also our hardest working.

The flexibility that running your own business offers is one of the many reasons why our Travel Counsellors made the decision to be their own boss.

Do I have to be home-based?

Not at all, although the vast majority of our Travel Counsellors work from home. If you prefer, you can rent a non-retail office space and work from there.

Many Travel Counsellors also work on the go - as long as there’s a secure internet connection, the world is your office.

I've heard homeworking can be lonely. What support is available? There are more than 2,000 Travel Counsellors working around the clock, around the world – so there’s always someone to talk to if you need support. But we’re not just about webcams, message boards and TCTV broadcasts.

You’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet your friends and colleagues; from your initial training course, to celebration days, training and our prestigious events.

Many Travel Counsellors meet up with others in their local area, so don't be surprised if you get a phone call inviting you to their next meet up!

We also have a qualified personal counsellor and a number of our support colleagues are trained mental health first aiders, plus your business development coach will check in with you.

Basically, as a member of the Travel Counsellors family, you’ll never feel alone.

How long does it take to get set up?

In addition to your notice period - if you’re moving from an existing employer – we prepare your equipment which can take a few short weeks to happen.

How long is the initial training?

We offer a range of training courses for people of all degrees of travel sales experience. All training courses begin with a 10-day learning programme, some of which is delivered virtually by our experienced training team and our tool.

Further training is self-guided and tailored to your previous experience.

Is there a minimum sales target?

We don't set any defined targets. However, we encourage you to achieve a minimum of €200,000 sales in your first 12-months.

This is in your own financial interests and ensures you’re setting off on a path to a sustainable, successful business. And this shouldn’t be a problem if you give your full commitment and follow our advice on best practice.

When do I get paid?

You’ll be paid monthly by bank transfer, with commissions earned between six weeks before the customer’s travel date