17 February 2016
We are launching a new Return to Travel course which is designed to give people who have worked in travel before the perfect starting point in setting up their own business. Tailored training to suit, refreshing skills and training on new systems allows us to take the very best of what you already know and fine tune it so that your new business is a massive success. A mixture of e-learning, interactive sessions and small learning groups allow you to get the best refresher on all the new developments in travel. We’ve talked to some of our newest Travel Counsellors who are joining through the Return to Travel programme to share with you their experience so far.
Sian Jarvis
I have been out of the travel industry for nearly 4 years. I wanted to return to the travel industry as I am so passionate about travel and I really missed working within this field. I was really attracted to Travel Counsellors as I really liked the personal touch that Travel Counsellors give to their clients, which I feel you don’t get from any retail high street agent.
The Return to Travel programme is brilliant as I already have many years experience in the industry, this training programme will updates me on any changes that have happened over the last 4 years in the industry and I will be able to refresh my skills and learn how to use the in-house booking system.
I decided to take the step in starting my own business as I really missed working in the travel industry. I also have a 7 year old daughter and I have never been able to do the school run. Now I am starting my business I will be able to do this, so I have a very happy 7 year old!
Marie Row
I left my job as a high street Travel Agent in 2005 and have spent the last 10 years pursuing a Marketing career. I held many Customer Marketing positions which, over time, allowed me to realise that my passion, other than Marketing, is Customer Service. My other passion has always been Travel and I have spent the last 10 years knowing that one day I would return to the Travel Industry as a Franchise Business Owner – giving me full flexibility to deliver Customer Service as I know it should be delivered, using my Marketing skills to grow my own business, and living the dream of doing what I love every day.
I spent three years carefully considering how to execute project ‘Start my own Franchise Business’. I really did my research and when the time was right to make the leap, I didn’t think twice about calling Travel Counsellors. They really have set themselves apart from the competition with a phenomenal proposition, fabulous facilities, a huge amount of resources and state of the art systems and bespoke booking engine. It was clear to me that Travel Counsellors was the perfect company to support me with my dream and the Head Office staff have been nothing but helpful, friendly and supportive. I am genuinely over the moon with my experience.
The Return to Travel programme is specifically tailored to ex-travel professionals who might be a bit rusty but still retain a level of knowledge from previous experiences that makes them more advanced than someone who hasn’t had any experience selling and packaging holidays. I fitted that category. I had the skills to set up and run a business, I had a high level of destination knowledge and certifications under my belt, extensive travel experiences of my own, and an understanding of how the Travel Agency business works for my previous role as a High Street Travel Agent. It allowed me to reduce the time spent training at Head Office and focus on setting up my own business alongside others who are doing the same thing, at the same time, at the same level. It was perfect!
Starting my own business has always been something on my ‘to-do list’. Working from home is a highly convenient bonus, but my goal was always to set-up my own business and create my own success. With a passion for travel, I was lucky that so many opportunities exist to be part of a travel brand, as a franchise owner. I thought I was 5-10 years away from starting something, until I found Travel Counsellors. The opportunity was so real, so exciting, and so easy to say yes to – it just happened! Changing your life is scary – but not with Travel Counsellors.
Jennifer brown
I had been out of the travel industry nearly two years, I needed to get back into it because I missed it so much. Travel is in my blood! I previously worked at head office therefore I know all the ins and outs of Travel Counsellors and it made me want to start my own business even more. Head Office staff are great and they really look after the Travel Counsellors. I wanted an opportunity to get back into travel, regain my confidence and refresh my knowledge, the return to travel program is perfect for this. I recently had a baby and so the flexibility was a massive draw for me, I really wanted to be my own boss.
Sarah Moss
I have been out of the travel industry full time about 7 years since having my son. I am always the travel organiser for all my friends and family and still travel worldwide with my family. A school mum was talking to me one day and said she just wanted someone to take over booking her travel as she found it so hard and stressful and I had that lightbulb moment “why not me?”. I noticed an old colleague of mine was already working for them so googled their website and called up- I was impressed. I went to a roadshow in London and Sarah was so engaging and TC looked like my kind of company. I then went to meet Michelle at head office and was finally sold on the whole concept. I need something that fits with my family life and also means I don't have to stress about commuting, school pickups and missing vital time with my son but also something that pays the bills whilst giving me job satisfaction.
When I first contacted TC they said it was really for people in the industry wanting to start on their own and I was too nervous to take that leap of faith having been out of it for so long. I also didn't want to join the academy as that was for beginners. When I came to the roadshow Sarah mentioned they were thinking of doing the Return to Travel course and that was it. I had to do it. Perfect for me. I just need that extra knowledge to give me the confidence to get back into the industry and work from home for myself. It was not a hard decision at all, I am more than ready to get back to full time work and excited to start my new career.
If you think that the Return to Travel Program could be for you then please feel free to get in touch with our team and have a chat about your experience and your options. This could be the perfect stepping stone into starting your own business, being your own boss and uncapping your potential! Even if you are unsure or just looking into the possibility, our team will be happy to discuss who we are and what we can do for you, call 04 3166668.