Carrier has shared an update on its ‘endorsement programme’, after announcing plans for the initiative at its second annual Retreat last June. 

Launching in January, the certification aims to recognise the expertise of its top trade partners following an influx of “inexperienced agents in the industry.” Candidates must meet strict criteria to apply, with a strong sales record and first-hand product knowledge just two of the eligibility requirements. 

“It’s a badge that's been very carefully thought through, and we believe it will resonate with both consumers and the industry,” Lee Marshall, head of trade partnerships at Carrier, told TTG Luxury. 

“We've got a number of people that have signed up already,” Marshall added. “It’s obviously a robust criteria and we've identified those that have qualified.”  

Carrier is also working to support its trade partners who have strong potential for endorsement: “We've also identified those [agents] who are close to qualifying, because we want to make this as wide-ranging as possible.” 

Marshall added that the ‘endorsement programme’ has been inspired by Carrier’s commitment to its trade partners, who are responsible for a significant portion of the luxury operator’s sales. 

“We are cast iron advocates of travel agents,” he said. “We believe it’s very important to showcase [their] expertise within the industry.” 

Marshall said he will reveal more information about the initiative at the next Carrier Summit, which will take place at Bulgari London on 10th December. 

The news comes after 94% of respondents to a TTG poll said there should be mandatory training for travel advisors, following Minerva Private Travel's call for 'industry action' on 'non-professional' agents. 

Marshall also confirmed that the Carrier Retreat is now “an unquestionable annual part of our engagement calendar” following the success of last year’s event at Forte Village, Sardinia. 

Scheduled for April, the third edition of the conference will once again be held overseas at a location that has yet to be unveiled. 

“We'll be hosting more people on the Retreat than we've hosted in the past,” Marshall revealed. “There'll be 30 agents, 20 of whom will be existing retreaters that qualify for their place.” 

The other 10 places will be allocated to first-time attendees as part of Carrier’s peaks campaign, which was launched earlier this year to help agents “deliver messages that most appeal to ultra-high-net-worth travellers.” 

Attendees can also expect the return of Sinead Healy for the Retreat’s business development sessions, which are designed to help agents excel in both their personal and professional lives. This year, the life coach will focus heavily on the role of EQ (emotional quotient) in running a successful travel company. 

“We're so pleased that Sinead is on board because she's part of our family now,” Marshall said. “There's no doubt that the content that Sinead puts in place is making a difference to the way that people operate.” 

Healy’s seminars will be balanced with panel discussions featuring returning retreaters, who will share their takeaways from last year’s event and reflect on the past 12 months. 

“We wanted the agents to be part of the content, because their stories are the most powerful of all,” said Marshall. “They are relatable, they’re vulnerable, they’re brilliant.” 

Last year, Retreat delegates heard from the three agents who have contributed more than £500,000 to Carrier’s trade sales, as well as returning agents whose businesses have boomed since the inaugural event. 

Marshall hopes that this year’s conference will once again be a “safe environment amongst friends”, where people can “connect” through storytelling. 

“We've got we've got a format now we've got a core structure that works,” he said. “We're not going to deviate from that, but we're just going to make sure the subject matter is even more relevant.”