PTS said to support members in the post-Covid era, and to maximise its partnership with travel tech platform Travelgenix, it will integrate the near £3,000 sign-up fee for these services, plus VAT, into its membership costs to make these services "more accessible to all PTS members".

"In essence, PTS is footing the set-up costs to assist its members," said a spokesperson. "This initiative is a part of an ongoing, highly successful campaign, and is open to any new members joining PTS."

The PTS-Travelgenix partnership dates to November 2022, forged in recognition – the partners said – of the "increasing importance of a strong online presence in the travel industry" and to "enable smaller businesses to compete with larger brands".

PTS managing director Mark Sutton described it as a "game-changing" opportunity for members to "level up" their businesses. "We’re proud to support incredibly entrepreneurial travel businesses, both start-ups and traders.

"Offering our members a technological solution that allows them to compete with larger players was a crucial goal for us. We are delighted to see so many PTS members reap the rewards of signing up with Travelgenix over the past six months."

Andy Speight, Travelgenix chief executive, added: "We’re witnessing a technology revolution in the travel industry, and it’s clear a new day in travel is looming. Now, more than ever, we must embrace technology and the assistance it offers."