Academy to train agents to sell inclusive travel


Juliet Dennis


A global training academy is being launched to help travel agents and the wider industry develop the “confidence and competence” to sell inclusive travel experiences. The Inclu Global Travel Academy


(IGTA), due to go live in early summer, has been set up by Inclu Travel Group, which specialises in creating services and support for disabled consumers. It will offer an online programme


spanning different sectors of the travel and tourism industry, including hospitality, destination management companies, transport and aviation as well as travel distribution. The agent programme will offer


five levels: gateway, foundation, inclusive travel advisor, inclusive luxury travel designer and inclusive luxury travel concierge. Group chief executive and founder Richard Thompson, who is himself


Research shows


agents’ desire to gain the competency to serve clients with access and inclusivity requirements


disabled, hopes IGTA will bridge the “knowledge, confidence and capability gap” to realise the “true potential” of the disabled travel market. He said: “Research shows agents’


desire to acquire the professional competency to service clients with specific access and inclusivity requirements. While ‘certified’ training is offered by some agencies, these are often basic, bolt-on modules.” Thompson said IGTA is designed


as a platform to build practical skill sets across the industry. “We aim to establish IGTA


accreditation as a stamp of real value and deliver a supported pathway of


MARATHON EFFORT: Not Just Travel homeworker Lee Collier will run the London Marathon on Sunday to raise funds in memory of his daughter Phoebe-Lee, who was stillborn in December 2005. He will be raising money for Action Medical Research, a charity he has supported since 2008 as a way of paying tribute to Phoebe. In total, Collier has raised more than £26,000 – this will be his seventh London Marathon and his 30th overall. He became an agent with NJT’s franchise business just over two years ago and runs his business alongside working for the ambulance service and being a professional photographer. Currently nursing a calf injury, Collier said: “If I can get round in one piece, then I will be very happy.” To donate, visit tinyurl.com/leecollier


8 23 APRIL 2026


professional development,” he added. The initial ‘no obligation’ gateway


level, offered free of charge, will cover the opportunities and challenges of putting together inclusive travel experiences, so agents can decide if they want to progress further. Foundation level, likely to cost


£49, will cover the key principles of disability, accessibility, inclusivity awareness and etiquette, to ensure advisors communicate confidently and safely with customers. The inclusive travel advisor


programme will focus on how to gather the right information, undertake due diligence and recommend appropriate products. The higher accreditation levels


will focus on delivering more-complex itineraries, with the concierge level likely to be invitation-only. Advisors completing higher levels will gain preferential access to Inclu Travel Group’s luxury product via its new tour operation, set to launch later this year.


Lewis-Riley joins Scenic Group in trade sales role


Scenic Group has appointed former Titan Travel trade boss Shane Lewis-Riley as its new director of trade sales and partnerships. He starts on June 15 and will lead the trade sales team for Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Emerald Cruises. Scenic Group said Lewis-Riley joins “as the business enters a significant growth phase”.


Jet2 offers aircraft for VIP charter flights


Jet2.com has reconfigured an aircraft to offer all-business-class seats for VIP executive charter flights. The Boeing 737-800NG, normally configured with 189 seats, will offer 76 seats with a minimum pitch of 43 inches. The aircraft is available to book now for travel from October 2026 until May 2027.


Intrepid buys French operator Altaï Group


Intrepid Travel has fully acquired French travel company Altaï Group, whose brands offer nature-based, active, small-group and tailor-made travel experiences. Intrepid said the acquisition expands the operator’s “strategic footprint” into France, one of the largest adventure travel markets in Europe, and adds £53 million in revenue and 35,000 customers a year.


APT acquires stake in solo travel specialist


Australian Pacific Touring (APT) has acquired a majority stake in Rodina Holdings, parent of solo specialist One Traveller. Documents filed at Companies House on February 6 show APT listed as having “significant control” of Rodina Holdings. One Traveller targets the over-50s market and has been operated as a direct-sell business.


travelweekly.co.uk


PICTURES: David Partridge; Lee Collier


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