Homeworking has changed the face of the travel industry. What was once viewed as an alternative way of working has become an increasingly sophisticated opportunity for experienced travel professionals to build something of their own. Developing their own customer relationships, carving out their own niche areas of expertise and creating a business that works around their homelife is hugely rewarding and important.
That freedom is undoubtedly one of the greatest attractions of the homeworking model. However, I believe there is another factor that deserves just as much consideration when an agent is choosing which company to join: who do you want standing behind you as you build your business?
Commission and the wider commercial proposition are important, but agents should also consider the expertise, infrastructure and practical support available to them. Running a travel business no longer fits neatly into a 9am to 5pm working day, so access to reliable support seven days a week, including evenings, can make a genuine difference.
'Being independent should never mean feeling isolated'
It is this DNA that has shaped The Holiday Village’s approach to homeworking and one that we are proud to have been recognised for by the Industry – winning TTG’s Top Homeworking Agency (Small) in both 2025 and 2026. In my opinion, however, the awards are less about accolades themselves and more about what they represent – creating an environment where agents can thrive, feel supported and also part of a family.
Being independent should never mean feeling isolated. That belief sits at the heart of The Holiday Village philosophy: ‘In business for yourself, not by yourself.’ It comes to life through private social groups with support available until 8pm, the ‘Weekly Wednesday’ team call and personal check-ins that simply ask, ‘How are you?’
Homeworking agents at The Holiday Village's Network + Nosh event in Glasgow
Our back office 'care and support team' are an extension to each agent's business – being there for customer support, communication, cancellations and amendments and also supporting in a crisis, which we know happens far too often in our industry.
If you’ve spent years building a relationship with your customer, your reputation is on the line every time you pick up the phone.
We want our business owners to have the confidence that although they own their businesses, they don’t have to solve every challenge on their own. Taking time out of their busy lives is hugely important, when they are away we will look after their customer needs and update them upon their return.
Learn more about The Holiday Village
Feeling inspired? Discover what The Holiday Village can offer you in the TTG Homeworking Hub.
'The modern travel professional is so much more than someone who sells a holiday'
That philosophy extends beyond what happens when something goes wrong. I believe that the responsibility of the company is to ensure agents have all the tools, connections and support to become better business owners, rather than simply providing a platform on which to process bookings.
The modern travel professional is so much more than someone who sells a holiday. They're a business owner, a marketer, a salesperson, a content creator, a destination expert and a trusted adviser. If we're asking people to build a business, then we have a responsibility to help them continue to develop.
At The Holiday Village, that means investing in training, supplier relationships, product knowledge, bespoke marketing and business development, as well as creating opportunities for business owners to experience products and destinations first hand. Our River and Touring & Adventure Academies are a great example, giving the opportunity to deepen knowledge through dedicated training and fam trip experiences.
The Holiday Village runs River and Touring & Adventure Academies
That investment is increasingly important as customers become more knowledgeable and their expectations grow, particularly in areas such as luxury, tailor-made travel and touring. They are no longer simply looking for someone to find them a holiday. They want fresh ideas, expert knowledge and confidence that their agent will support them from the initial enquiry until they return home safely. Between our business owners and back-office teams, we typically speak with each customer nine times before they travel.
The same commitment to support extends to our business owners. Although each one is building their own business, they remain part of a wider community where training, supplier relationships, networking and peer support help them succeed. Just as valuable is the informal knowledge shared by people who understand the opportunities and challenges they face.
'A sense of belonging can make a significant difference'
Some of the best advice an agent can receive doesn't necessarily come from a formal training session. Sometimes it's another business owner sharing what worked for them, or simply knowing that someone else has experienced the same challenge. That sense of community and sharing ideas really matters.
It is perhaps why the idea of a ‘village’ has become such a natural part of The Holiday Village's identity. A village is not simply a collection of people, it is a community where people know one another, look out for each other and celebrate each other's successes. We love to do that! For a homeworking professional, who can otherwise spend much of their working day alone, that sense of belonging can make a significant difference.
Ultimately, I believe the decision should not simply be based on what a company offers on day one. Agents should also consider whether it has the people, expertise and culture to support them as their business grows and their ambitions evolve.
The interview stage is an opportunity to ask the right questions: How will this company help me succeed? What support will be tailored to my individual needs? Every agent brings different experience, goals and earning expectations, so there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
For us, it all comes back to partnership. The best homeworking relationships give agents the freedom to work flexibly, build strong customer relationships and shape their own future. At the same time, they have the reassurance of knowing an experienced organisation is behind them whenever they need support.
That partnership also depends on honesty. At The Holiday Village, we're transparent about whether our model is the right fit for each agent. If the model does not match their needs or ambitions, our team will say so and, where appropriate, suggest an alternative business model that may suit them better.
Visit The Holiday Village's profile on the TTG Homeworking Hub to learn more
