New Guide to Homeworking out now Rhodri Andrews


Travel Weekly has unveiled the seventh edition of its Guide to Homeworking, aimed at helping both those considering a move into the sector and home-based agents take their business to the next level. The 60-page supplement,


launched in association with Protected Trust Services (PTS), offers a detailed look at the sector, featuring news on the current state of the homeworking market and interviews with experienced agents answering questions from newcomers, including how to specialise in a certain type of travel. Published with this week’s issue of


Travel Weekly, the guide also contains features on the impact of artificial


intelligence, choosing between part-time and full-time homeworking, turning social media content into bookings and more. The guide’s editor,


Rhodri Andrews, said: “With the homeworking sector more competitive and accessible than ever before, it’s a really exciting time to be publishing this year’s Guide to Homeworking. “There’s plenty to help answer


the many questions newcomers to homeworking may have, as well as helping current home-based agents stand out from the crowd. I hope it


Virgin Voyages to review messaging amid agent concern


Ella Sagar


Virgin Voyages has defended its dedication to agents after some partners expressed concerns about the line’s direct marketing practices. A spokesperson for the adult-only


cruise line insisted it “remains fully committed to the trade” and “will never undercut agent partners”. The move comes a week after


Silversea defended its own trade strategy following similar complaints. Agents spoke to Travel Weekly


anonymously, with one partner pointing out that links designed for third-party sellers display a banner


6 9 JULY 2026


at the end of the sales process giving clients an option to “opt out” of the booking being linked to their agent. This could mean “all the hard work


with the client is lost”, they said, as customers might falsely believe there are “better deals booking direct”. A Virgin Voyages spokesperson


said the banner was “purely an informational safeguard”, adding: “The pop-up referenced is not designed to encourage Sailors [guests] to book direct, nor is there any incentive or commercial benefit offered to Sailors for opting out.” The spokesperson said the pop-up was introduced because there were


will prove to be a useful asset to either help you get started or boost your business.” As well as es


l o e or b ssential


advice and fefeatures, the


guide includes a Homeworking aH


Directory profiling several of the sector’s leading homeworking


Di th


agencies. It is also supported by a website featuring the Homeworking Directory in full, a digital version of the supplement and a webcast featuring PTS members talking about what being a homeworker is like in today’s market. Daniel Landen, chief executive


of headline sponsor Protected Trust Services, said: “Protected Trust


Services is delighted to be supporting the Guide to Homeworking and I’m very excited we were able to contribute to this year’s edition. “Our goal is always to provide the


best support possible to businesses that genuinely need us, and that doesn’t stop at homeworkers. “Whatever it is that a travel


business needs, they deserve to find the right fit for them, and the Guide to Homeworking is fantastic help for homeworkers starting to brainstorm


what those needs are.” i Scan the QR code to visit the Guide to Homeworking website and watch the webcast with PTS members.


Brilliant Lady


“occasions” when affiliate links were shared outside of the trade, which “caused confusion”. They added: “We will take it on


board as we review how the message is presented, so it reflects the value of booking with a First Mate [agent].” Another agent highlighted issues


regarding direct marketing with a group booking for a Mediterranean sailing secured more than a year in advance. The passengers booked six RockStar suites – each worth £6,000 – but were subsequently emailed frequent promotional offers featuring discounts of up to 30% and bonus credit for the sailing they had booked.


The partner called for “smarter


marketing” to filter out booked sailings from automated communications, alongside a price-match guarantee. In response, the spokesperson said:


“We have no strategy or intention to divert bookings away from the trade, and our focus is on giving agents the tools, support and recognition they need to sell confidently.” “Sailors who are more than 120 days


away from sailing may still receive Virgin Voyages marketing communications. These are designed to keep them engaged with the brand and encourage them to book future voyages through their preferred booking channel.”


travelweekly.co.uk


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