Travel newcomers graduate with honours from Designer Travel academy

Four trainee travel experts attending an academy run by luxury home working group Designer Travel have graduated with honours.

The graduates have all built their businesses up from scratch and achieved outstanding results despite having no previous travel knowledge between them, according to the company.

They all came in to travel from different backgrounds - health and beauty, accountancy, PR and teaching.

Dee Bolton, James Johnson and Helen Hollinshead the first to graduate in April followed by Caroline Ellis in May.

They produced combined sales in their first 12 months of more than £1 million with a healthy margin and “well controlled” discounts.

Designer Travel academy manager Abi Hyslop said: “Any experienced travel agent will

know that building a business is a challenge in itself but to combine growing a business with

generating superb sales results is truly commendable. 

“Our academy is focused on providing a comprehensive training programme, including experiencing an overseas fam trip, a 12-month training programme and one-to-one mentoring and support. 

“Our aim is to provide each academy member with the complete package. Whilst we have a standard 12-month academy programme incorporating all aspects of the retail travel industry, we also tailor the programme to each candidate to ensure they have the very best chance of achieving their own objectives.

“From product knowledge to building a business it’s my job to ensure the academy members

become confident and competent travel professionals. 

“I am so proud of Dee, Carolyn, James and Helen, they have risen to every challenge and are now well placed to join our network of PTEs [professional travel experts] around the UK.”