Former head of membership at Abta Danny Waine has launched his own consultancy business to support entrepreneurs in the travel industry.
Waine, who left Abta at the end of 2024 after four years, has founded remote-based business Travel Nomads to offer a range of services to travel agents, tour operators and the wider travel and tourism sector.
The virtual service aims to help businesses to get new ideas off the ground, develop and grow start-ups with high potential, and support established small and medium-sized businesses with succession planning.
Speaking at the launch, Waine said: “Our strapline ‘Doing Business Beyond Boundaries’ reflects the modern travel industry.
“With the right technology and talent in place, anything is possible. When accessing talent, we are no longer geographically constrained and as technology develops at a faster pace than ever, the opportunities are endless.”
Initially the consultancy will support travel, technology and education businesses, with services including sales strategy; business development; relationship building and account management.
Waine said: “I’ve met so many inspiring entrepreneurs in my 20 years in the travel industry so far, and I’ve thrived working alongside them.
“Some ideas from new-to-industry entrepreneurs have massive potential, but the individuals often lack the industry understanding or relevant network to bring them to fruition.
“Conversely, many long-standing entrepreneurs who run SMEs are looking to exit, but don’t have a viable succession plan in place. Travel Nomads will assist entrepreneurs across the whole spectrum.”
Waine, whose experience includes helping to found travel start-ups Perfect Weddings Abroad 20 years ago and ITT Future You 15 years ago, added: “In 2025, Perfect Weddings Abroad celebrates its 20th anniversary and ITT Future You it’s 15th year. Both are start-ups I co-founded alongside talented industry colleagues.
“Having spent much of my career encouraging others to shape their own destiny in the travel and tourism industry, now feels like the right time to launch Travel Nomads, to help passionate travel entrepreneurs succeed.”