The Travel Franchise sees a surge in franchise applications

Demand for travel agents has accelerated as consumer demand and holiday bookings soar

The Travel Franchise (TTF) and its customer-facing brand Not Just Travel (NJT) have received a record number of franchise applications as growing consumer demand for travel agents continues to drive momentum across the sector.

The business has also seen a strong uplift in holiday bookings since Boxing Day, with forward sales already pointing towards a bumper 2026. The performance reflects renewed consumer confidence and an increasing preference for booking with travel professionals who offer a personal touch.

The award-winning company, which specialises in helping people new to travel launch their own homeworking travel business, was named best Lifestyle Franchise in the World in 2025.

TTF says the increase in applications mirrors a wider shift in consumer behaviour, with more travellers choosing to book through travel agents for reassurance, expertise and value – a trend supported by recent research from ABTA.

Co-founder Paul Harrison said the results underline the growing appeal of travel franchising at a time when demand for expert, personal travel planning is accelerating.

“Consumers want trusted advice and personal service, and that’s creating a real opportunity for people looking to build a business in travel,” he said.

“The strength of recruitment and retention in the final quarter of 2025 shows just how attractive this business is, both financially and lifestyle-wise”

Alongside strong recruitment, the company has also reported high levels of re-signing across its existing network, with many established consultants choosing to renew their contracts and expand their businesses through enhanced growth options.

“The strength of recruitment and retention in the final quarter of 2025 shows just how attractive this business is, both financially and lifestyle-wise,” Harrison added.

“When experienced consultants choose to re-sign with you, it demonstrates real belief in the model and confidence in the future of the travel market.”

The business has seen a growing number of consultants invest in retail-style locations and staff, blending physical presence with flexible homeworking operations and capitalising on renewed consumer appetite for face-to-face travel advice.

To support continued growth, The Travel Franchise has invested heavily in tools, training and onboarding support, enabling new franchisees to establish themselves quickly and confidently.

Last year, the company reported a record year for the number of consultants beating its Money-Back Challenge and essentially receiving a ‘free franchise’.

The incentive guarantees a full Elite franchise refund if you achieve a set commission target in the first year.

The company says the increasing number of people achieving this milestone provides further evidence of favourable market conditions.

Harrison concluded: “The fact that more people than ever earned their franchise fee back in 2025 is a clear indicator of how strong the market is right now. It reinforces our belief that 2026 is the year to launch a travel business, with the right support, systems and consumer demand firmly in place.”