If you are looking for proof that travel is booming and that homeworking travel businesses are thriving, just look at January’s record-breaking holiday sales.
Our consultants have just recorded their strongest January trading period on record, with sales up significantly year-on-year as our 750+ consultants capitalised on consumers’ sustained appetite for travel.
While the average uplift was 172%, January also delivered four times as many record-breaking sales days compared to the same period last year, including our busiest Saturday on record. And we expect this momentum to continue this month.
The January to March ‘Peaks’ period is typically the busiest season for agents with many operators offering incentives such as free child places and early-booking discounts.
Cruise has been a particular highlight, with sales growing at a rate 1.6x faster than land sales, even though land sales have also been very strong.
Says co-founder Steve Witt: “What’s particularly encouraging is the strength we’re seeing across all sales types. Our dedicated Cruise training has seen consultants grow in confidence and capability, and that’s reflected in the numbers.
“Meanwhile, long-haul and premium bookings are driving average booking values higher year-on-year, demonstrating that consumers are prioritising experiences and destinations that deliver lifelong memories.”
Another major trend this January has been the growth in milestone holidays with a record number of bookings over £20,000 and the biggest single booking being over £210,000.
Preparation and support
This kind of performance does not happen by accident. It is the result of travel entrepreneurs building their businesses properly, supported by the right systems, training and partners.
Witt said: “Our consultants have been incredibly well-prepared, having spent months building their client networks and ensuring customers are engaged, informed, and ready to book. It is during Peaks that the quality of our training and the passion of our travel entrepreneurs truly shine and convert into sales.”
Another important factor behind our strongest Peaks on record has been the strength of our relationships with travel suppliers. Our consultants can book with any one of our 450+ travel partners but we also continue to build specials partnerships with over 40 key trade partners.
Witt explains: “Our valuable relationships with Key Trade Partners have created special deals exclusive to our consultants and these have proved highly profitable. We’re not just keeping pace with the market; our sales are growing at a faster rate than many suppliers’ own figures. We are a significant industry driving force, and January has set the bar for what promises to be an exceptional year ahead.”
