Jet2holidays will help up to 10 agency partners open new shops, including “substantial” financial support and access to expert advice.
The ‘Scale Up Your Street’ campaign is inviting pitches from agents looking to expand their existing retail business, those looking to open their first outlet, and homeworkers who might be looking to transition to the high street.
The initiative includes supporting up to 10 travel agent partners with a substantial financial contribution, representing a potential six-figure sum in total, to get a new retail shop up and running, according to the operator.
Agents need to submit a written pitch outlining their vision for opening a retail shop including their target market, branding ideas and business plan to be in with a chance of elevating their business.
The deadline for submitting pitches is April 30.
A panel of judges from Jet2holidays will review all submissions and select a shortlist of finalists based on creativity, feasibility, and potential for success.
Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to pitch their ideas in person to a panel of industry experts including travel agent relationships director Alan Cross, trade sales general manager Lloyd Cross, Seaside Travel owner Nicola Park and Don Bircham, franchise owner of Hays Travel Mold.
Each panellist will have their own pot of cash provided by Jet2holidays and agents must persuade them how much to contribute towards their new business venture.
As well as a financial contribution, winners of ‘Scale Up Your Street’ will also receive tailored training and support to help them open their shop and drive footfall including marketing support, branding materials and setup assistance.
Winners will also be given ongoing access to insights, as well as mentorship from industry experts, to provide them with the tools and knowledge to make their new shop a success.
Cross said: “Our partnership approach is based around the fundamental principle of helping independent travel agents to grow and succeed, and through ‘Scale Up Your Street’ we are most definitely doing that by helping agents open a retail shop.
“As well as providing a significant financial contribution, we are giving agency partners the support they need to make their new shop opening a success including expert advice, marketing assistance and ongoing mentoring.
“We know this will be an enormously popular campaign and we cannot wait to start receiving pitches and ideas from our valued agency partners.”