The homeworking giant has operated a dedicated line aimed at agents seeking help and advice for their next career move since last January.

Originally set up to support independent high street agency owners seeking advice on working remotely during lockdown, the helpline has expanded to offer assistance to all travel professionals in the pandemic. 

Travel Counsellors said five agents who had previously operated high street shops had joined its homeworking ranks in 2020. It also reported a “steady stream” of members over the previous year – with more than 160 agents coming onboard.

Its new cohort, of which 39 are corporate travel specialists, brought in more than £1 million in sales between them since launching their business.

Global sales director Jim Eastwood said: “As the government’s furlough scheme continues, we’re seeing more travel industry professionals call for advice on their next move. 

“These conversations are taking many forms, from launching a new business with us, to more general advice on where they want to take their career when travel upticks again. 

“No matter their intentions our aim is to support experienced agents to find the best way forward for them, whether that’s by launching a new corporate or leisure business with us, or finding a path elsewhere that’s personal to them – the ultimate aim is to retain talent with the travel industry, and keep people who care about their customers within an industry they love.”