Demand for travel franchises is soaring as more travellers move away from faceless booking platforms and return to personal travel agents for expert guidance, reassurance and the confidence of having a real person manage the complexities of their trips. As consumer behaviour shifts towards more tailored, human-led service, a growing number of people are recognising the opportunity to train, launch and grow their own businesses within a resurgent and thriving travel industry.
The return of personal service in travel
Recent research from ABTA highlights a clear trend: more people are booking through travel agents, and they are travelling more frequently than ever before – an average of 3.8 holidays per year. This resurgence reflects a desire for trusted expertise in an increasingly complex travel landscape.
With endless online choice, fluctuating prices and ever-changing travel requirements, consumers are increasingly seeking peace of mind. This is particularly true for complex itineraries, multi-destination trips and high-value, bespoke holidays, where professional knowledge and personal service can make all the difference.
A record year for travel franchises
This shift is already delivering tangible results. For The Travel Franchise (TTF), 2025 proved to be a record-breaking year, with franchisees booking more holidays than ever before. Many secured single bookings worth over £50,000, underlining both the scale of opportunity and the level of trust consumers are placing in personal agents.
One standout example is Lindsey and Karl Delany-Taylor, who secured a £299,000 booking just four months after joining the franchise, followed shortly by another £52,000 booking. They were among a growing number of newcomers to beat the company’s Money Back Challenge (MBC), which refunds the £14,995 franchise fee to franchisees who achieve a set level of commission within their first year.
In 2025, more franchisees than ever before achieved the MBC milestone – including many working part-time – providing clear proof that both the market and the franchise model are working.
The rise of the flexible travel business
This momentum is driving a surge in applications for travel franchises, particularly those offering flexible, home-working models. For individuals seeking to combine a passion for travel with greater control over their time, a travel franchise offers an increasingly compelling route into entrepreneurship.
The Travel Franchise, which trains people with no prior travel experience, has seen a significant increase in interest, alongside rising booking volumes for existing franchisees. Many report strong demand outside traditional office hours, reflecting modern consumers’ desire for flexibility and accessibility.
“People are choosing to book with travel agents for reassurance, expertise and trust,” says Paul Harrison, co-founder of The Travel Franchise. “They also value flexibility – someone who can work around their busy lives. That’s exactly what our franchisees provide, which is why demand continues to grow.”
Lifestyle flexibility and six-figure potential
For many franchisees, the appeal goes beyond travel itself. The opportunity to build a business with flexibility, autonomy and uncapped earnings has become a major draw in today’s evolving world of work.
Travel franchises allow people to enter the industry without the need for a traditional office setup, while offering the freedom to work from home, set their own hours or even travel while running their business. Some franchisees have gone on to expand further, employing staff or opening customer-facing outlets to meet growing demand.
Earnings vary depending on commitment and ambition, but the potential is significant. Some full-time franchisees are now reporting six-figure salaries, while others choosing to work part-time can earn around £40,000 a year. It’s a model that combines the security of a proven business structure with the upside of entrepreneurship.
Capitalising on a booming market
Since Boxing Day, Not Just Travel – the consumer-facing arm of The Travel Franchise – has seen record booking volumes, with forward sales already pointing towards a bumper 2026.
“This market is booming,” Harrison adds. “Consumers want personalised experiences and someone they can trust. Our franchisees are delivering exactly that, and the growth we’re seeing reflects it.”
Why 2026 is set to be a landmark year
With travellers taking more holidays, spending more per trip and actively seeking personal service, the outlook for travel franchises has rarely been stronger. For those looking for financial independence, lifestyle flexibility or a fresh career direction, 2026 represents a pivotal moment to enter the industry.
The return of the personal travel agent isn’t nostalgia – it’s a response to modern travel demands. And for travel entrepreneurs, the opportunity has never been clearer.
This article comes courtesy of The Travel Franchise, the home-based travel business franchise which trains and supports people new to travel.
