Advantage launches mentorship scheme for new-to-travel recruits

The Advantage Travel Partnership has introduced a ‘hosted agent programme’ to enable aspiring entrepreneurs to access guidance from established members.

The programme, which launches today (October 6), involves five members – The Good Travel Franchise, Whites Travel, New Travel, Worldwide Travel Solutions and The Holiday Fixer – who will act as mentors to people wishing to enter the homeworking sector.

David Moon, head of business development at Advantage, said: “As the travel industry continues to evolve, initiatives like the hosted agent programme demonstrate our adaptability and commitment to nurturing talent while maintaining the personalised service that defines professional travel consultation.”

The programme seeks to build on Advantage’s existing reach in the homeworking sector, where member agencies already support more than 300 remote agents across the UK.

The new initiative recognises the “growing demand for flexible career opportunities in travel” and aims to eliminate traditional barriers to entry by providing mentorship alongside “comprehensive” business infrastructure, including trading licences, marketing support, technology platforms and customer fund protection facilities.

Moon said: “Our industry is not only undergoing unprecedented transformation with the homeworking market experiencing remarkable growth, but our members are also thriving and expanding, which has inspired us to develop this exciting concept that connects passionate newcomers with seasoned professionals.

“We’re creating mutually beneficial commercial partnerships that represent a true win-win scenario for everyone involved.”

He added: “We’re constantly approached by individuals eager to establish homeworking travel businesses but lacking industry experience.”

The five chosen partners have decades of experience in the industry and are committed to helping to develop talent, he said.

“We believe travel is not a hobby or a side hustle, it is a profession that is deep-rooted in years of hard-earned experience and deep industry expertise,” he said.

“These founding partners bring decades of combined experience and a deep commitment to supporting those new to the industry, positioning them perfectly to mentor the next generation of travel entrepreneurs.”