The Global Travel Group: The franchise opportunity

Started in: 1993
Founder: A former RAF Pilot
No. of franchises: 200 plus
Coverage: Nationwide
Average cost per franchise: £14,995 plus VAT
Website: www.globaltravelgroup.com

The Global Travel Group was started in 1993 by a former RAF fighter pilot turned entrepreneur whose idea it was to create a vehicle to assist others in taking their first steps into travel; an industry that can be difficult to gain entry to and one that is stringently regulated.

The Global Travel Group launched with not one, but fifty franchisees due to a great deal of listening, research, development and planning taking place months before the business ever took its first baby steps.

Moving into franchising

So how did you move into franchising?

The Global Travel Group was started in 1993 by a former RAF fighter pilot turned entrepreneur whose idea it was to create a vehicle to assist others in taking their first steps into travel; an industry that can be difficult to gain entry to and one that is stringently regulated.

• The Global Travel Group launched with not one, but fifty franchisees due to a great deal of listening, research, development and planning taking place months before the business ever took its first baby steps.
• From humble beginnings and a handful of staff in 1993, we’ve worked hard to become the respected travel company we are today, with a dedicated support team of over 200 people based at our head offices near Chester.
• So, we’ve been helping people to ‘make travel their business’ for 23 years now and we’re proud to say that in this time we’ve paved the way for more wishful travel agents to actually become travel agents than any of our competitors.
• In 2014, The Global Travel Group was purchased by dnata (an Emirates Group company) which means that we’re now backed by one of the largest, most iconic travel brands in the world. dnata was established in 1959, employs in excess of 32,000 people worldwide, operates in 75 countries and has annual revenues of US$2.8 billion.
• The Global Travel Group now has 200+ franchise members, many of whom have won coveted industry awards for sales, customer service and supplier support.

The perfect franchisee

What do you look for in a potential franchisees?

One of the best things about our business model is that it really is suitable for anyone with a genuine interest in holidays and travel. Whether or not you have travelled much yourself is not an issue for us. Of course, if you are a seasoned traveller then that’s going to be a great advantage, but we believe that a willingness to learn is key!

Our members literally come from all sorts of backgrounds, industries and walks of life.  Amongst the ranks are dentists, doctors, bankers, teachers and taxi drivers to name but a few.

Starting a travel agency business with the Global Travel Group means that you’re the boss, and because you’re the boss, where to work and when to work are decisions we leave to you.

We currently have franchises operating from high street stores, serviced offices and spare bedrooms.

Some of our members immediately throw themselves headlong into their businesses and literally ‘fly’, whereas others have young families, so choose to start-up on a part-time basis, taking a more gradual approach. So for those who need the business to fit around their lifestyle – even if just for the time being, it’s a great choice, and you can begin building it when the time is right for you, plus no targets means no pressure from us.

As long as you understand that the more time and effort you put in, the more you’re likely to achieve.