James Ferrara predicts homeworking agency Inteletravel will reach $1 billion in global sales by 2024 – up from about $300 million in 2021.
The company’s president and co-founder told delegates at the InteleTravel UK Quest conference in Belfast that 2022 sales are on track to top $450 million this year and may even reach $500 million.
“Others are recovering, you are thriving,” he told delegates.
He said the UK is “leading the way” and will reach £65 million in sales by the end of the year – 100% up year-on-year.
The top 10 sellers in the UK have accounted for more than £3.1 million so far this year.
More than one new supplier has been signed up each month, with partners being added such as Classic Packages, JTA Travel, Chilli Mix, Balkan Holidays and NCL.
There are now 14 Ambassadors in the UK – a voluntary role which guides and advises other agents – and there have been 182 hours of education on offer this year, he added.
InteleTravel has also doubled its technology budget in 2022, compared to 2021, to offer better shopping cart and quoting tools, cybersecurity, search options, new booking engines and updated advisor websites.
Furthermore, the company now has lower payment processing costs – back down to pre-pandemic levels – meaning agents can keep more of their commission.
“In my 31 years in travel, there has never been a time of greater opportunity for travel advisors than right now,” he told delegates.
“And there has never been a company with the vast advisor network, decades-long partner relationships, sophistication of technology and leadership in advisor education like InteleTravel.
“It is our time to shine. I predict we will be a billion-dollar global enterprise by 2024.”
He said the agency is not yet seeing the impact of rising inflation and recessionary fears, adding: “Bookings for 2023 on the books look really good, really strong.
“There is incredible momentum, pent-up demand and people have surplus holiday savings,” he said.
Next year should be free of the ‘air-mageddon’ airport chaos, and more cruisers and business travellers are set to return, he added.