Homeworking agency Brilliant Travel is reporting bumper sales for this winter period, with bookings in October up 22% while November trading so far is at record levels, 50% ahead of this time last year.
The homeworking and Managed Service Travel Partner division of Barrhead Travel said several of its agents are celebrating personal sales records during November. They include Lesley Hammond who enjoyed her highest ever week of trading in her 40-year travel career earlier this month.
Most of the agency’s bookings are coming from repeat clients and recommendations as holidaymakers “seek to book with reputable agents”, said Brilliant Travel.
Its new “Book Brilliant” website, which drives enquiries to local agents, has helped to generate new leads while tailored marketing materials have resulted in additional bookings.
Rebecca Price, business development manager at Brilliant Travel, said: “I am overjoyed to see our homeworkers taking their businesses to the next level during this quarter with average individual sales growing by 43% during 2023.
“Typically, the end of the year can sometimes be quieter in travel as consumers turn their spending priorities to Christmas. However, demand is buoyant, and bookings are coming in for both lates and summer 2024.
“This year, we’ve invested in bolstering our support offering – including launching a new website, increasing training opportunities, and ensuring that one-to-one business reviews are happening more frequently, particularly for new agents.”
Brilliant Travel has more than 40 homeworkers and is continuing to expand. Five joined in October and two more are set to start later this month.
Linda Pyle, director of Brilliant Travel, said: “There has never been a better time to be a trusted travel advisor. We’re in the midst of a period of high growth – both from existing members and from new members joining our Brilliant Travel family.
“The fact that sales are soaring at this time of the year clearly points to the fact that holidaymakers are determined to make sure they get the best value-for-money and the best advice by booking with a true expert.
“We’re currently reviewing applications from experienced people within the industry who are looking to make the move to running their own businesses.”
Brilliant Travel team, pictured from left: Darby Gallacher, support manager; Rebecca Price, business development manager – homeworkers; Linda Pyle, Brilliant Travel director; and Dan Steabler, business development manager – Managed Service Travel Partners. Picture by Malcolm Cochrane Photography