CONFERENCE Travel Counsellors Conference 2022: Agency hosts about
Travel Counsellors reveals ‘ambitious’ recruitment plan
T
ravel Counsellors is hoping to attract about 150 new homeworkers in 2023 through an
“ambitious” recruitment strategy as it targets further expansion. The agency currently has 1,350
homeworkers based in the UK and a further 500 globally, and chief executive Steve Byrne believes there is scope to bring more on board after a strong bounce-back year. “We expect to recruit about 150
travel counsellors over the next 12 months,” he said. “We’re looking to attract the
very best travel entrepreneurs who have the required commitment and people skills to build relationships with customers. “Once they’ve joined, we do the
rest by investing in our platforms to support them.” Byrne hopes a brand refresh, set
to be unveiled in full early next year, will help attract new talent. Customer director Dave Callan
said the revamp forms part of the firm’s “ambitious” hiring drive. “We know there’s opportunity for
us and we want to be taking market share,” he said. “A big part of that is bringing new travel counsellors – the right travel counsellors – into the business. “We want to present a brand
that is inviting and welcoming to those who want to come on
Dave Callan
the journey with us, and the refresh will play a part in that.” Callan believes there is scope to
develop the firm’s ‘Travel Academy’, which is aimed at attracting people with no previous industry experience to the company. “We think there’s an opportunity
to be more creative in that space, looking at more niche audiences who are aligned to our values and who understand what makes a successful travel counsellor,” he said. “We’re going through a process
of reviewing our recruitment plan to develop an ambitious strategy for next year and beyond. “The projection of an exciting
brand that is more authentic to our core will be a really good enabler to make sure we’re attracting the right people.” The theme of the conference was
‘All In’, which Travel Counsellors said reflected the “power and commitment of the community to one another and their customers”.
AGENTS’ VIEWS
Jackie Cook: “It’s been fantastic to see everyone again after three years, some of whom I feared might have
left the industry for good. It’s been really special for me as I’m celebrating 22 years as a travel counsellor. It has showed we’re all in this together.”
May Swan-Easton: “It’s been a really uplifting weekend. It’s great to surround yourself with positive people
and people who have been through the same
thing as you. I’m looking forward to taking what I’ve learnt and applying it to my business. The speakers have been inspirational. It’s been a much-needed shot in the arm.”
Neill Hall: “It’s been fantastic, really inspirational and motivational. Sir Lenny Henry was amazing – I
loved his talk. I met with lots of suppliers yesterday from hoteliers to airlines who I’m hoping to work with going forward. We’ve been through hell, but it feels like we’re turning a corner.”
Agency earmarks £10m to enhance Phenix platform
Travel Counsellors has pledged to invest more than £10 million in its in-house booking platform over the next year to boost user experience and agent uptake. UK managing director Kirsten Hughes urged agents to use
Phenix for as many bookings as possible, claiming they will “improve” their business and support colleagues by doing so. John Bauer, chief technology officer, labelled Phenix one
of the “biggest, most complex and most mature” platforms of its kind in the industry as he revealed plans to upgrade it. “Over the coming year we’re going to focus on the user
experience of Phenix and pull in a lot more product,” he said. “We’re going to invest over £10 million into the
Special guest Vernon Kay with, from left, Priya Ghai, Terry-Anne Owens, Elliott Rouse and Julie Tebay
12
17 NOVEMBER 2022
travelweekly.co.uk
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