Silver Travel Advisor aims to double agent numbers
Juliet Dennis
Over-50s specialist Silver Travel Advisor has set out ambitious plans to double its network of self-employed homeworkers to 20 over the next year, following a sharp uptick in demand for personalised travel advice. The agency, which expanded into
retail in 2022 after operating solely as a reviews, information and advice publisher, has launched a recruitment hub on its website to help reach the expansion target. The business currently has 10 homeworkers across the UK. Managing director Penny Worthy
said the core growth strategy was driven by affluent, high-value travellers seeking a tailored service, reassurance and deep product expertise when booking complex itineraries, particularly across high-growth sectors such as luxury ocean sailing, river cruising and bespoke land touring. “We’re not looking to build the
biggest homeworking network; we’re looking to build one of the best,” Worthy said. “We’re seeking professionals who are passionate about travel, who understand the value of lasting customer relationships, and who are committed
Penny Worthy
to delivering exceptional service at every stage of the customer journey.” Head of retail Julie Crumpton
added that while previous travel trade experience is preferred for new recruits, it is by no means essential, pointing to existing homeworkers within the business who have built successful client portfolios after joining from outside the sector. Silver Travel’s homeworking
model allows agents to generate their leads while also accessing company leads generated through its established publisher audience. Commission structures are offered
“in line with competitive market rates” alongside full administrative, compliance and marketing backing.
Travel Weekly launches weekly Destinations email newsletter
Travel Weekly is launching a weekly Destinations email newsletter aimed at frontline agents, from September 7. It will bring together destination and product features with selling tips, reviews, partner content, competitions, webinars and updates from Online Travel Training. To sign up – and browse other newsletters or subscribe free to the weekly print edition – visit
travelweekly.co.uk/subscribe.
8 3 SEPTEMBER 2026 Worthy noted that the decision to
invest in an online recruitment page reflects the maturity of the retail arm four years on from launch. The revenue potential of the retail
operation was recently demonstrated by Crumpton, who secured her highest-value sale to date – a £70,000 Cruise Plus booking for a party of 14 on a seven-night Silversea sailing, booked on behalf of clients who have used her services for 38 years. Crumpton added: “As the business
continues to evolve, expanding our network of homeworkers allows us to capture growing market share while maintaining the exceptionally high standards of personal service and trust our brand has been built on.”
Kuoni’s Mark Duguid to step down after 17 years at Dertour
Kuoni UK managing director Mark Duguid will step down on September 25 after 17 years with the business and parent company Dertour UK. Dertour UK joint chief executive Ben Boesch will assume responsibility alongside his current role. Duguid returned to Kuoni in 2022 after a five-year stint heading sister brand Carrier.
Not Just Travel seeks six recruits to expand support
Not Just Travel has launched a recruitment drive across its head office functions to expand the operational support provided to its growing network of 900 agents. The firm is advertising six new roles across HR, digital design, marketing, lead generation and business development for Not Just Travel and sister brand The Travel Franchise. This follows the intake of 10 to 15 young staff under a new apprenticeship scheme at its Bournemouth office, taking head office headcount to about 100. Co-founder Steve Witt said: “This is all part of our expansion and growth strategy. We are committed to having the best ratio of support to homeworkers in the industry.”
The expansion comes alongside record trading, with Witt reporting the agency’s strongest start to August on record, driven by last-minute bookings and robust cruise sales. Recent growth has also been boosted by July recording the highest intake of new joiners since June 2024, aided by the launch of the agency’s entry-level £2,995 Lite franchise package in March. Witt added: “There’s big
interest in people wanting to get started in travel – they see it as an exciting industry [and] an opportunity to possibly work from home.”
Unforgettable Travel appoints Erin Johnson as marketing chief
Unforgettable Travel Company has appointed Erin Johnson to the new role of group marketing director, effective from October 12. Joining from Specialist Holidays Group, where she is chief marketing officer, Johnson will oversee global marketing strategy across all group brands, including Unforgettable Croatia, Unforgettable Greece and Cruise Croatia.
travelweekly.co.uk
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