TRICIA HANDLEY-HUGHES UK & Ireland managing director, InteleTravel
Q. How is business going for you? A. Our bookings are up 41% year on year and revenue is up 20%. Our average booking values are £1,500. We have more than 40,000 advisors in the UK at different stages with their businesses.
Our sales increase versus 2025 is testament to the desire to change work routines. InteleTravel is reaping rewards from the trend by ‘normalising’ working from home.
Q. What do you think are the key factors shaping growth in the sector? A. As customer habits change with the use of technology and search engines, looking
for a holiday has never been easier. However, the volume [of holidays] on offer makes decision-making harder. Technology is an enabler, not a replacement for travel advisors. Smart travel advisors will embrace the opportunity to enhance their business. AI tools are an aid to productivity, with the caveat being that the end result still requires checking by agents.
Q. How do you see the homeworking landscape changing over the
next 12 months? The number of homeworkers will continue to rise; the costs of office floor space and associated rental charges are creating more demand for alternatives. The rising cost of living and need for supplementary income, and online behaviours replacing traditional purchasing methods, are making homeworking a natural choice and a way to minimise expenditure. Homeworking is thriving as the mindset changes.
SEAN FLETCHER founder and director, Travel Four Seasons
Q. How is business going for you? A. Business is buoyant. There have been a few headwinds with the Middle East issues and media coverage, but our team are well placed to look after clients. Since Covid-19, clients have chosen
travel professionals who support them down to the finer details. Value is important to them, but being a stable presence keeps clients loyal and helps our partners grow their businesses, which has helped to keep us on a growth trajectory in 2026. We have 15 homeworkers, up four on last year. Our total homeworking turnover is £2.8 million.
Q. What do you think are the key factors shaping growth in the sector? A. The growth is driven by two clear shifts: experienced travel professionals wanting
greater flexibility and ownership of their careers, and customers placing more value on personal service and expert advice. They’re less concerned with whether that advisor sits in a shop or works remotely. We’re seeing growing demand for insider knowledge, luxury partnerships and bespoke planning.
Q. How do you see the homeworking landscape changing over the
next 12 months? A. It will continue to grow. We’re working towards continued growth, with successful businesses focused on expertise, niche positioning and long-term client relationships. Our goal is 30 partner homeworkers, focusing on quality and diversity over quantity.
travelweekly.co.uk
RICHARD LIGHT
director, Experience It Now
Q. How is
business going for you? A. Our homeworking division has had a strong year in 2026. Our sales for the first five months are up 63% on the same period in 2025, while our retail stores are slightly down, which highlights the continued strength and growth of the homeworking sector. Our numbers have increased by about 42% on this time last year, reflecting its growing appeal.
Q. What do you think are the key factors shaping growth in the sector? A. One of the biggest changes has been the reduction in the barrier to entry. Historically, some businesses charged significant joining and monthly fees. That’s changed as more traditional agencies have moved into homeworking and the increased competition has made the sector more accessible. With cost of living increases, more people want additional income streams or a career change. Homeworkers used to be mainly experienced retail agents, but now it’s a broader mix. On the other hand, customers increasingly want convenience, a more personal service and a consultant whom they trust and can contact outside traditional hours.
Q. How do you see the homeworking landscape changing over the next 12 months? A. The market will continue to grow but become more competitive and professional. The homeworkers who will do well are the ones who treat it as a proper business, build their brand, and focus on service and relationships rather than competing purely on price.
JULY 2026 5
PICTURE: Shutterstock/Migma_Agency
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