The agency said it had received the wave of applicants for its Experienced Travel Agent Division - headed by former Global Travel Group commercial chief Cherie Richards – during the first five days of recruitment.

Richards joined Not Just Travel in June as chief business development officer after 15 years with Global and has been tasked with attracting already established agents to join the business, which has traditionally recruited new-to-travel members.

Co-founder Paul Harrison said Not Just Travel had created “two fantastic packages” for its new division, with managed and non-managed service options.

Despite the influx of applicants, Harrison said the new division would be kept “small and exclusive”, adding: “we want to appeal to high quality, entrepreneurial people who share our vision, values and work ethic”.

“We are not just another agency or consortium offering the same old deal – we are looking to develop members both in personal and business development. There is so much talent in our industry who are just getting by - not realising where their impressive skills can take them.”

Richards said: “Between Steve [Witt, Not Just Travel co-founder], Paul and myself we have over 50 years experience supporting people in travel. We have seen and witnessed pretty much most things in our industry. 

“We understand what people need and the importance of relationships. These guys really do encourage outside the box thinking. It has been so refreshing in my first five weeks to be doing so much positive planning for the future, even during this crazy pandemic.”