Saga targets 100 agents for homeworking division
Lucy Huxley
Saga Travel has begun a trial with seven mature travel agents working exclusively for the brand as part of a new distribution channel. The over-50s tour operator, which
stopped selling through the trade in February last year, hopes to recruit up to 100 local travel advisors (LTAs) as self-employed homeworkers from all over the UK over the next four years. The agents can use Saga’s Abta
and Atol licences, marketing materials and reservation systems to sell Saga’s beach, touring and cruise product as well as third-party suppliers. They are not paid commission
but work on a “profit-share” basis. Saga Travel Group chief executive
John Constable told Travel Weekly there are “agents who are no longer working, who are 50-plus” and have a similar outlook to their customers. He added: “The idea is that by
being local and developing strong relationships, they can really drive their businesses, and ours.” Saga spoke to potential LTAs
about their client network and social media followings before taking them on to ensure they were widely followed and had contacts in their local communities. The trial has been running for five
John Constable
weeks and has been a “huge success”, according to Constable. He said: “Our customers love the high-touch experience when they are on holiday, so if that could start at the planning stage, with a Saga LTA going round to a customer’s kitchen to arrange their holiday, we think that will appeal.” Iain Powell, Saga group trading
director, said the new agency model would suit agents who had worked in the industry in the past and now wanted to work in a different way. He said: “We know many people
either want or need to work flexibly and as an LTA they’ll be their own boss and can work as they choose. It’s our brand and their business.”
Travel Counsellors unveils fresh branding ahead of 30th year
Travel Counsellors has unveiled a new look ahead of its 30th anniversary next year. The refreshed branding, including a cherry-coloured logo (pictured), features on the homeworking agency’s website, social media and marketing collateral. Customer director Dave Callan said it would allow the business to “reset and refresh”.
8 6 JULY 2023 LTAs will have an induction
programme, one-to-one coaching sessions with a dedicated business coach and day-to-day support. There is no joining fee – Powell
said fees had deterred people from joining or rejoining the industry as an independent advisor in the past – and no cap on what they can earn. Asked if regular agents might be
disgruntled that Saga chose not to sell through them but was now setting up its own network of homeworkers, Constable said everything in the Saga touring portfolio could be bought through Saga’s sister brand Titan Travel and there was price parity between the two brands.
Murray Travel eyes expansion as it opens fourth agency
Scotland’s Murray Travel has opened its fourth shop and plans to expand further. The store on Nairn’s high street joins Inverness, Forres and Elgin in the agency’s network. Co-owner Scott Murray hailed a successful first day, adding: “We want to do a combination of acquisitions and opening new stores.”
Scott Dunn to open US office amid ‘rapid growth’
Luxury tour operator Scott Dunn is to consider selling via the UK trade after it goes on sale with American agents for the first time as part of “rapid growth” plans in the US. Chief executive Sonia Davies
said the brand plans to open an office in New York in August and is “looking at” working with UK agents once it is established. The moves follow Flight
Centre Travel Group’s acquisition of Scott Dunn for more than £120 million in February. The New York premises will
initially have eight staff, who are relocating from Scott Dunn’s offices in London, Singapore and San Diego. Davies plans to double the team within a year through local recruitment. The expansion follows growth
amid the post-pandemic travel boom. US turnover in January was 60% up on January 2019. Davies said: “Our growth plan
is ambitious as we recognise the considerable opportunities in the US. As we have become part of a group that has agents, we are looking at [UK trade sales]. “We do
get knocks on the door very regularly, so we are looking at options.”
Sonia Davies
Birmingham airport downplays threat posed by possible strikes
Birmingham airport said it believed threatened strike action would have “limited” impact and would not lead to flight cancellations. About 100 security officers and terminal technicians plan “all-out continuous strike action from July 18” in a dispute over pay. An airport spokesperson said: “We are confident the impact will be limited and we do not anticipate any cancellations.”
travelweekly.co.uk
PICTURE: Julie Michaelsen Photography
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