Independent agents are still optimistic about future business prospects despite the tough trading climate, research from Advantage Travel Centres and Travel Weekly has revealed.
TWgroup editor Karen Dempsey presented the findings of the State of the Nation 2009 report at the Advantage Travel Conference today at the Radisson Edwardian Hotel in Heathrow. The report surveyed 286 Advantage members and business partners at the beginning of September.
More than half of the respondents (56%) are quite optimistic about the next 12 months, 8% are very optimistic (compared with 18% last year) – just 1% are not at all optimistic.
It also revealed that fewer agents would consider leaving the business than last year, just 44% – down from 61%.
Advantage chief executive John McEwan said: “I am pleased that Advantage has once again worked with Travel Weekly to undertake the State of the Nation Survey, particularly when you look back on the economic turmoil over the past 12 months.
“I have been positively struck by the level of general optimism shared by members and business partners. And while there are clearly challenging times ahead, our members have a determination to see out the current downturn, and are largely committed to a future in the travel industry.”