connected ways to stay
Working from home can feel isolating, but with a vast
array of support and training both in-person and remotely, homeworkers feel anything but on their own, says Juliet Dennis
1 2
FAM TRIPS Homeworker-focused fam trips allow agents to meet other remote workers as they experience a destination. The Jamaica Tourist Board began ‘hybrid’
fam trips this year, which let agents work in the morning and explore the destination in the afternoon and evening. Donovan Donaldson, business development officer for homeworking sellers, says tailoring trips around homeworkers’ schedules is key. “Homeworkers sell differently – they build personal brands, manage their time flexibly and need support that fits around their business model,” he says. Hays Travel agent Teresa Williams, is a homeworker who went on a Jamaica fam trip earlier this
Agents on a fam trip in Jamaica
without colleagues to bounce ideas off.” Homeworking firms also run trips for their
own agents. Travel Counsellors is taking more than 430 agents on exclusive worldwide fams this year, supported by more than 70 suppliers. Director of franchise sales Matt Harding says: “These aren’t just fam trips – they’re business-building opportunities, providing a chance to network, share best practice and return home motivated with fresh ideas and renewed passion.” GoCruise & Travel’s trips include regular
year that followed this framework. She says: “It was a great mix of age and experience so we could share knowledge and swap information, which is particularly refreshing when you’re used to working from home
ship visits to improve product knowledge. Head of franchise Colin Martin-Weekes says: “We see confidence grow in our franchisees to promote and sell the products they’ve experienced to potential new customers.”
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGERS
Operators have responded to the rise in homeworker sales by recruiting dedicated business development managers (BDMs) to provide tailored support and training, similar to on-the-road visits to traditional high-street agents. Wendy Wu Tours has seen sales from homeworkers more than
double since it appointed Sarah Kewley as its first BDM for the homeworking sector last year. The company has since rolled out face-to-face training for homeworkers, from ‘Wu & You’ breakfasts to pub quizzes, custom marketing support and strategic incentives.
Head of trade sales Gary King says: “It’s proven that when you show up for homeworkers in the right way, they respond in kind.” Gold Medal has two homeworker-specific trade partnership
managers, Hannah Eldridge and Nichola Marston, who host events ranging from supplier presentations in cafes to dedicated fam trips and webinars. Trade partnerships director Karen Fletcher says the result is strong agent relationships and tailored support. “Having Hannah and Nichola dedicated to these agents is vital to ensure they are receiving the same level of support and education as our retail agents,” she adds.
travelweekly.co.uk
JULY 2025
21
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56
