Barrhead Travel has reported receiving new applications during January for its Brilliant Travel division, indicating “a healthy market” in the agency community.
The travel group said applications for the division – which encompasses homeworkers and its Managed Service Travel Partner (MSTP) arms – are “unusual” during the peak trading season – but noted the trend points to demand from experienced agents wanting to launch independent businesses.
Two MSTPs are currently being onboarded as well as another Brilliant Travel specialist – and all are expecting to officially be fully trading by February.
It follows an increase of 60% in the number of Brilliant Travel homeworking specialists last year, alongside new MSTP members.
Overall, the Brilliant Travel membership is now more than 85.
Linda Pyle, Brilliant Travel director, said: “We wouldn’t usually expect enquiries until after January peaks conclude but there’s clearly an appetite for change within the agent community.
“For those enquiring to become a home-based Brilliant Travel specialist, we’re seeing well-established agents or travel professionals that are looking to take advantage of the current momentum for demand for travel.
“As has been the pattern for our MSTPs in recent years, it still seems to a blend of travel professionals and entrepreneurs who have spotted gaps in the market in their local high streets and want to invest in an industry where spend continues to climb.”
Brilliant Travel has also supported existing members to expand their retail operations with five MSTPs either opening additional locations or moving to larger premises in the last year.
Pyle added: “I think the fact that we’re seeing expansion both with existing members and welcoming new members and specialists is indicative of a healthy market.
“We’ve seen a huge return to travel agents in recent years.
“The opportunity for agents to innovate – whether that be on the high street or through social media platforms – is significant and there is still plenty of room for new travel businesses.”