InteleTravel is initiating a strategic shift aimed at transforming the majority of its homeworkers into full-time agents. This move marks a significant departure from its traditional model, where agents engaged part-time to supplement their income. The company’s fresh approach is in response to evolving agent aspirations for career permanence.
Rethinking the Part-Time Model
InteleTravel has historically marketed itself as a platform for individuals to earn supplementary income through part-time work. Traditionally, the agency facilitated entry into the travel industry with flexible participation. However, current feedback from agents indicates a shift towards seeking stable, full-time careers in travel.
Tricia Handley-Hughes, InteleTravel UK’s managing director, expressed a strong desire to see 60% of their agents working full-time. This vision reflects a broader trend of individuals looking to transition from part-time gigs to more sustainable and lucrative full-time roles within the travel sector.
Training and Support Initiatives
To support this transition, InteleTravel has introduced a series of training and support programmes. These initiatives are designed to steer agents towards achieving larger commission payments, thereby reinforcing their financial stability. Agents are guided to reach initial milestones of £1,000 in commissions, with a clear pathway to earning £2,000 to £5,000 as they gain confidence and experience.
The programme’s ultimate goal is to encourage agents to reach earnings up to £10,000, allowing them to work exclusively in travel. This ambitious target aims to build agent confidence and establish a consistent income flow from travel commissions.
Shifting Company Messaging
Company president and co-founder James Ferrara highlighted a change in InteleTravel’s messaging. Historically focused on the flexible, part-time benefits available to agents, the company now emphasises career development for those seeking full-time employment.
Ferrara stated, “Historically our messaging has been more about the flexibility of time and the range of participation you could have with us, so we really have played to the part-time approach, but what we’ve been hearing since the pandemic is that agents want to rely on this for their full-time career.” This shift underscores the company’s responsive approach to agent feedback and market trends.
InteleTravel’s refined focus on enabling full-time careers aligns with broader industry shifts towards professionalising travel agent roles. This alignment reflects a growing recognition of the value that dedicated agents bring to the travel experience.
The Business Model’s Flexibility
Despite the push for full-time roles, InteleTravel’s business model remains adaptable for those preferring part-time work. The company acknowledges the benefits of a flexible system that accommodates diverse agent aspirations and commitments.
Handley-Hughes noted the model’s dual capacity, explaining that while full-time growth is ideal, maintaining part-time opportunities is essential for those who thrive on flexibility. This approach ensures the business remains inclusive to agents at different stages of their career journey.
InteleTravel’s Long-Term Ambitions
InteleTravel’s shift in strategy is part of a long-term ambition to become a ‘top 20 ATOL holder.’ This goal involves bolstering its market position and enhancing its credibility within the travel sector.
Achieving this ambition requires an expansion of its agent network, underpinned by a commitment to professional development. The strategy reflects a forward-thinking approach aimed at positioning InteleTravel at the forefront of the industry.
Enhancing Agent Satisfaction and Performance
The company’s focus on transitioning agents to full-time roles is also driven by a desire to enhance overall agent satisfaction and performance. Full-time agents, benefitting from dedicated training and support, can offer high-quality service, leading to greater client satisfaction.
This strategic approach not only aims to boost income potential but also associates InteleTravel’s brand with professionalism and reliability. Agents working full-time are more likely to establish client trust and loyalty, contributing to InteleTravel’s long-term success.
Conclusion
InteleTravel’s shift towards encouraging full-time employment among its agents signifies a forward-looking strategy reinforcing its market position. By prioritising agent career development and satisfaction, the company is well-positioned to meet evolving industry demands and achieve its long-term goals.
InteleTravel’s strategic shift to promote full-time roles amongst its agents reflects a responsive and growth-oriented approach. By aligning its business model with the evolving aspirations of its agents, the company aims to foster a more dedicated and professional workforce, strengthening its position as a leader in the travel industry.
