For agents, it’s not about the money, money, money
New travel agents join the industry not for the money but because they have a passion for travel, according to The Global Travel Group.
It said that in a survey of its 400 independent agents, 60% said having a passion for travel and the wider industry was the most important factor for signing up, while just a third ranked money as the biggest draw.
The Group said 77% of respondents rated the support and training they received on signing up as "good" or "excellent".
However, almost half – 46% – of The Global Travel Group members already had a background in the industry, it said.
The Global Travel Group MD Andy Stark said: "Despite the huge potential to make a respectable living, the message from agents is loud and clear – it’s their passion for the industry that compelled them to make the switch and not the financial rewards.
"We’re thrilled that the support and training we provide has exceeded the expectations of upwards of more than 75 per cent of our members and are happy to have played a critical role in smoothing out the bumps that career transitions inevitably bring.
" In our recruitment efforts we strive to attract a mix of both experienced agents and people who are new to travel to consider a career with The Global Travel Group and continue to do everything we can to highlight the many benefits that come from becoming an agent, not least of which, is getting to do something you’re passionate about."
Survey results also revealed that agents see the increasing cost of travel as the biggest threat to healthy revenue in the year ahead with 68% of respondents expressing concern over creeping travel costs, more so than any other external factor.
Eurozone implosion, a soft UK economy and airport hassles and delays (including APD) were also cited as potential threats to their business while natural disasters or the potential for terrorism attacks registered much lower down the scale as an area of concern.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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