Consumers turning to ‘trusted’ travel agents amid Middle East disruption

Consumers turning to “trusted” travel agents amid disruption in the Middle East helped drive a record level of commission paid out to Not Just Travel homeworkers in April.

Commission provided to the company’s 800 self-employed consultants rose 10.7% year on year in the month, although the actual amount was not disclosed. 

Top-performing franchisees in the network achieved commission rates of more than 16% on individual bookings during April.

Multiple consultants recorded five-figure single-booking days, with single sales exceeding £30,000 in value.

Cruise bookings climbed 39% over the same month last year and now account for almost one in five holidays sold across the network.

Long-haul growth was led by Canada, up 90%; followed by Barbados, up 75%; Australia, up 56%; Thailand, up 27%; and the US, up 13%.

P&O Cruises’ summer 2028 launch generated a claimed 854% booking uplift on its opening day, with a second priority phase going on to outperform the opening day on volume.

A Disney free dining and drinks promotion drove a 416% year on year rise during the month. 

Bookings to Portugal rose 17%, France 13% and Italy 19%, while UK domestic holiday bookings were up 22%.

However, Cyprus fell 54%, with Turkey down 25%.

Average booking value across the network was 12% higher than the same time last year which the company said pointed to customers prioritising quality and experience over price.

NJT co-founder Steve Witt (pictured) said: “April tested the resilience of the whole travel sector. 

“However, we have paid out record amounts of commission to our consultants. It is indicative of their success and does not happen by accident, but by consistent focus on customer service and highlighting their value to potential clients.

“Our consultants are trusted, accessible and expert, and when the news is uncertain, customers want someone they can trust rather than booking directly and managing the risk themselves.”

He added: “People assumed online booking and AI would eventually make agents obsolete. April shows the opposite. When the world feels more uncertain, the value of a trusted expert goes up.”