A prominent homeworking firm is set to accelerate its growth trajectory with ambitious plans to triple its agent base by autumn.
Launched in 2023, the company has quickly established itself within the industry, aiming to become a leading agency with major suppliers like Jet2holidays.
Expansion Goals
One Travel Club is on a mission to significantly increase its workforce by the upcoming autumn. Launched just over a year ago, the firm has swiftly become a notable player in the travel industry. Its ambitious target to grow from 100 to 300 agents demonstrates its strong commitment to market expansion.
The company, which operates under the Travel Trust Association within The Travel Network Group, achieved a multi-million gross turnover in its first operational year. Such rapid financial success has set a firm foundation for its expansive goals. These plans aim to cement its position as a leading agency with major suppliers like Jet2holidays.
Recruitment Strategy
Central to One Travel Club’s expansion is its focus on attracting new agents through robust support systems and advanced technology. The emphasis is strongly placed on developing an empowering environment for agents, without employing aggressive recruitment tactics such as poaching from competitors.
Lee Evans, the operations and technology director, highlights the importance of reaching 300 agents by September. He asserts that the company does not seek to directly entice individuals from other agencies, underscoring its ethical recruitment approach.
Training and Development
The thorough training process for new recruits reiterates the firm’s dedication to high standards. Prospective agents undergo a stringent five-week training programme, which includes a comprehensive three-week course and a critical knowledge test focused on Atol compliance.
Evans emphasises that the company is committed to quality over quantity, having rejected more candidates than accepted. This rigorous approach ensures that only highly competent agents represent the One Travel Club brand.
Furthermore, the organisation is also looking to expand its internal team, with plans to hire apprentices, a business analyst, and additional staff to support its growing operations.
Support Infrastructure
One Travel Club has implemented robust support systems to back its agents, including the establishment of an AI chatbot designed to assist agents during the booking process. These technological advancements are complemented by an in-house training academy.
Agents benefit from live chat facilities that connect them with skilled head office staff, alongside opportunities to engage directly with the company’s founders, Evans and Barrett. This readily accessible support network is pivotal to boosting agent confidence and performance.
By fostering a supportive environment, One Travel Club aims to empower its agents to confidently navigate challenges, ensuring a seamless service experience for their clients.
Post-Covid Business Model
The inception of One Travel Club was influenced by the desire to address post-Covid challenges faced by the travel industry, particularly in terms of agent support and training. Founders Evans and Barrett prioritise providing agents with the resources needed to excel in their roles.
Evans mentions that the post-pandemic environment highlighted a significant gap in support, which they are determined to fill. By equipping agents with essential information and training, the company helps them perform at an optimum level.
The combination of communication, training, and technological tools forms the backbone of the company’s strategy, ensuring agents are prepared to deliver high-quality service consistently.
Technological Advancements
In addition to its training academy, One Travel Club offers innovative technological solutions like an AI-powered chatbot for real-time assistance. This tool provides agents with immediate access to travel data, enhancing the booking process.
The company recognises the value of technology in maintaining competitive advantage and strives to integrate it seamlessly into its operations. As a result, agents can deliver efficient and informed service to their clients.
These technological initiatives reflect the company’s forward-thinking approach and its dedication to equipping agents with cutting-edge resources.
Commitment to Quality Service
A cornerstone of One Travel Club’s philosophy is its steadfast commitment to quality service and client satisfaction. The firm’s robust training and support systems are testament to this commitment.
The company believes that effectively managing challenges is crucial to sustaining a positive reputation. Any missteps are seen as risks to reputational damage, emphasising the importance of precision and proactive problem-solving in service delivery.
The strategic expansion and focus on technology and training position One Travel Club for continued success within the competitive travel industry.
By setting high standards and prioritising agent support, the company aspires to enhance its market position and client satisfaction.
