Julie Franklin marks 40 years in travel with move to Designer Travel

Julie Franklin, former head of agency sales at Inghams and Santa’s Lapland, has joined Designer Travel as a homeworking agent, known in the company as a Professional Travel Expert.

She left her role with the Hotelplan UK brands in January, to focus on herself and spend time with her family.

Franklin said: “I am celebrating 40 years in travel this month; it’s a big anniversary and signalled a time for real and positive change and to do something for me.

“My travel journey has taken me from Exchange Travel back in the 80s, through various retail roles into tour operating, where I spent my recent years working at Inghams.

“I felt it was time to return to my roots, doing what I enjoy most: building relationships with my customers and helping them to plan their future adventures.

“I did lots of research and explored a variety of options whilst I took time to evaluate my next move and Designer Travel really is the perfect fit for me.

“As a business, it aligns with my core values and offers the support I need. I have always been passionate about my career, and the team here certainly share the same passion for all things travel.

“I am really excited to be back on the other side, working with an amazing team of Professional Travel Experts and the supplier partners that the business works alongside and values so much.

“The way the team share their knowledge has really inspired me and I look forward to my new and exciting chapter.”

Karen Pocock, Designer Travel director, said: “We are so delighted to welcome Julie on board. She will be a great asset to the business and will fit in perfectly.

“Julie brings with her a wealth of travel knowledge and I know that the rest of the team will welcome her with open arms.”

More: Julie Franklin departs as head of agency sales at Inghams and Santa’s Lapland