The company said the number of new franchisees joining last month had returned to pre-Covid levels, with more than half of new enquiries being about launching a corporate travel business.

It added: “Travel Counsellors also continues to see an ongoing uplift in interest from independent travel agencies with bricks and mortar stores, and travel management companies with teams of less than 10 wishing to discuss the opportunities available to them and their employees.”
 
Travel Counsellors corporate managing director Kieran Hartwell said: “We know it’s a very difficult time for many people in the industry, and the situation is fuelling a growing trend towards independent consultants and micro TMCs being formed from teams of people who are facing an uncertain future. 

“These experienced travel professionals are taking a long-term view, taking this time as an opportunity to launch a new venture and lay the foundations for a successful business as travellers seek safe ways to get moving again.”
 
“With many people much more accustomed to working remotely over recent months the opportunity is both desirable and familiar, but they’re also discovering that they can work remotely in duos, trios and teams, employ assistants or migrate their high street store to a flexible working model whilst sharing our commitment to care, and looking after a loyal leisure and corporate customer base nurtured over many years.”

A straw poll of almost 500 prospective recruits found 70% were concerned about their future in travel, but 75% said they remain confident about running a travel business from home in the future, with 60% saying they still planned to launch a new business this year.