AIRTOURS is predicting the number of branches in the Advantage franchise will grow to 500 by the end of the year as it launches a recruitment drive from outside the consortium.
It follows Airtours’ successful tie-up with 333 Advantage branches (see front page).
Distribution and development director Tony Bennett said he expects 350 Advantage branches to have signed by the time all applications are in, with another 150 agencies from outside the consortium joining during the year.
“I am sure as the months pass agents will see the benefits the alliance brings and will want to be part of it,” said Bennett. “We have had interest from non-Advantage members in the past few weeks and membership will now be offered to them. I believe that by the end of the year we will have 500 outlets.”
Advantage commercial director Neil Armorgie said any independent agent can apply to be a franchisee provided they join Advantage.
He stressed, however, that the ú1 introductory offer will not be repeated. “Agents wanting to be part of the franchise will have to pay ú3,000,” he said.
Bennett took a swipe at those who said the plan would fail.
“Not too many people thought we would get this through – they were wrong,” he said. “But I was slightly surprised at the numbers. I was aiming for 250 and we have surpassed that.”
Airtours will now analyse the productivity of the franchisees before setting sales targets for UKLG products.
Meanwhile, Bennett has confirmed he will sit on the eight-strong board with Airtours group company secretary Greg McMahon and Going Places finance director David Blackledge, who will be responsible for setting up the Shared Services Centre. Advantage managing director Ron Muir and Armorgie will also sit on the board along with three other Advantage members.