The agency took on 21 new members last year and is targeting another 11 this year. It follows a record start to the year, which has seen four franchisees join and sales grow by 14% year-on-year when compared with 2024 turnover.
The new mentoring programme will be backed by one-to-one sessions with experienced franchisees, as well as meetings and events to help new recruits broaden their knowledge and grow their confidence.
GoCruise & Travel said it was important new starters had the reassurance of having a mentor on hand with whom they can discuss their ideas and ask questions.
Speaking to TTG late last year, the brand’s head of franchise Colin Martin-Weekes laid out GoCruise’s innovative recruitment strategies, and revealed the importance to him of prospective candidates being the right fit or having the right vibe.
“As customer demand and expectations grow, educating and supporting our new members will be instrumental to our success," said Martin-Weekes. "Knowing there is always someone there who will offer support and advice will not only give our new franchisees confidence and the tools to succeed, but it is also incredibly important for their wellbeing.
GoCruise & Travel is a part of the Fred Olsen Travel Group; franchisees specialise in, but are not limited to, cruise sales. They also have the option to work from home or set up their own retail presence.
"With 75 members, we strive for the right fit in our recruitment to ensure the proposition is right for the potential franchisees and the over business model," Martin-Weekes continued. "Pride is a big part of our ethos, and ensuring our new members understand and support this culture plays a big part in the success of the franchise. It’s all about the people and that is what makes a positive difference.”
Jo-Ann Kennedy, a GoCruise & Travel franchisee of some 20 years, is one of the business’s mentors, bringing experience in sales training and coaching for a large non-travel plc. "These skills are particularly beneficial when supporting franchisees from a non-sales related background or those who are new-to-travel, she said.
Another mentor, Christina Astill, added a "personal and tailored" approach to mentoring was critical to the success of a building a business, adding there was no one-size-fits-all approach. "I love spending time with the franchisees, coaching them and supporting them on the end of the phone – seeing them achieve their goals is incredibly satisfying.”
