Abta, Aito and the Advantage Travel Partnership have all taken steps to help members free up cash flow, while Not Just Travel said it was ramping up its support to help franchisees secure higher value bookings. Advantage and Abta are allowing members to pay their fees in two instalments, while Aito is allowing members to pay in 10 chunks at 2019 rates.

Kelly Cookes, Advantage chief commercial officer, told TTG said the move was made with members’ cash flow in mind. "Most recently, we have committed to taking member subscriptions across two payments instead of one. As a business, we are committed to supporting our members, and will do so during the impending cost of living crisis in any way we are able.

"For the past two years, we have run a number of practical webinars on how members can future-proof their business, which include tips on balance sheets and cash flow. We will continue to run these over the coming months to ensure members are receiving regular advice and support." 

Cookes said members would also benefit from economies of scale, such as reduced fees for services from its HR and legal partners, meaning members can save employing these resources within their own businesses.

Abta has also spread the cost of its subscription fees in a bid to support its members. "We are acutely aware that members are heading into the cost of living crisis after the worst two years of trade," head of membership Danny Waine told TTG.

The association has also frozen the rate of its minimum subscription fee, and continues to provide members with advice and guidance through its sustainability resources on energy use and how members can reduce costs.

Waine said the association had raised the issue of rising bills and operational costs with the Conservative Party leadership candidates as part of its ongoing lobbying programme, and that it would continue to pursue the matter with the new prime minister and their government in September.

"Steps like extending business rates support could help ease the pressure, and we also think government should consider a financial package of support for businesses with help particularly targeted at SMEs and independent traders," Waine continued.

Waine also highlighted the key role played by Abta LifeLine. "Clearly, challenging times remain," added Waine. "This is why the support of Abta LifeLine is also really crucial for members, particularly around mental health."

AIto executive director Martyn Sumners said it was a "tough time out there for everyone" and stressed the association was also taking steps to support its members.

"It is important we help both tour operators and travel agents at this time, and hence we have introduced a payment plan for members to pay in instalments over a period of 10 months based on 2019 fees, which have not increased since then," he said.

Meanwhile, Grant Hawley, Not Just Travel head of marketing, said the business had experienced its "best year" in terms of holiday sales, highlighting the support it had provided franchisees making the most of their sales potential.

"While wider cost pressures are affecting other sectors, we are not seeing the same impacts within NJT booking performance," he told TTG. "Our brand is deeply relationship-based. Our travel consultants know their customers. This means they benefit from high conversion rates, and still offer great value.

"We support our franchisees with multiple opportunities for further sales through training and our new initiatives, including the Cruise Mastery programme, the new deals app, the new marketing toolkit, the new concierge service and a large investment in top-level support.

"Historically, we have always gone above and beyond to support our homeworkers and the strength of our network has already been tested throughout the pandemic. NJT was committed and supportive throughout Covid, offering commission incentives and other support through difficult times."