Latest News & Blog
Sustainability: Small Business Impact
- 02 May 2024
- Millie Nunn
Sustainability in travel is crucial for protecting the environment, culture and local economies. It means making responsible choices to reduce harm to nature, support communities and keep destinations thriving for future travellers but what does this mean for SME businesses and how do you get started?
Happy 60th Anniversary Border Travel!
- 23 Apr 2024
- Millie Nunn
One of our Scottish members Border Travel has hit a big milestone, recently celebrating 60 years in business, and we want to wish them a Happy 60th Anniversary!
How to make the most out of your FAM Trip
- 18 Apr 2024
- Millie Nunn
Millie, a member of our marketing team, recently attended her first FAM trip to Sicily. Now, she's excited to pass on her top tips for making the most out of your next FAM trip experience. From networking strategies to creating engaging social media content, Millie shares all the essential advice to ensure that you make the most of your journey.
Exploring Lake Como with ATAS Experience
- 12 Apr 2024
- Barbara Zanotelli Rodrigues
Barbara in our Marketing team had the opportunity to join ATAS' inaugural Experience trip in March. Find out all about the trip and how to become an ATAS member.
Let's talk River Cruises
- 21 Mar 2024
- Gemma Sparrow
Business Development Manager Gemma Sparrow attended The CLIA Riverview Conference 2024 in Amsterdam last week and had the opportunity to visit 11 river cruise ships in 48 hours! River cruise continues to be a rapidly growing sector within the cruise industry – and so we see lots of opportunity there for our members. Gemma reports back on the trends, insights and learnings she took from the trip and shares some top tips for selling river cruise.
It’s all about the money!
- 13 Mar 2024
- Kelly Cookes
How can you add more to your bottom line as an owner of an independent travel business? Chief Commercial Officer Kelly Cookes explains how the commercial side of the travel agency world works – and shares some tips on how travel businesses can stay one step ahead of the game and maximise their earning potential.
Professional Indemnity Insurance for Travel Agents
- 23 Feb 2024
- Heather Haggis
Advantage’s Head of Financial Services Heather Haggis makes the case for why taking out a Professional indemnity insurance policy is vital for travel agents to help protect their businesses.
Why Join a Travel Consortium?
- 07 Feb 2024
- David Moon
Should you join a travel agent consortium? Our Head of Business Development David Moon outlines the benefits and why a new year might just be the right time for you to consider joining.
Winterizing Your Business
- 31 Jan 2024
- Heather Haggis
Advantage’s Head of Financial Services Heather Haggis outlines how travel businesses who own their commercial premises should consider navigating insurance risks and safeguarding against seasonal challenges during the winter period.
How the 7P's Can Up Your Marketing Game
- 07 Dec 2023
- Millie Nunn
Navigating the complexities of business marketing can be challenging, but simplifying it to basics can provide some clarity. We share the fundamental 7P's of marketing and their pivotal role in shaping a successful marketing mix. Explore our latest blog for a deep dive into each element and some examples of where you can identify them in your own business and transform your approach to marketing success.
Bonds....future use as a financial protection method?
- 21 Nov 2023
- Paul Nunn
Following the challenges the pandemic posed the industry and with a backdrop of consultations and discussions questioning current financial protection methods, our COO, Paul Nunn, reflects on all things bonding.
Summary of the King’s Speech – November 2023
- 07 Nov 2023
- Danni de Nervaux
A statement from the public affairs agency FTI.
Our expansion into commercial insurance
- 25 Oct 2023
- Heather Haggis
Our in-house insurance broker has been offering members financial protection for over 20 years.
CLIA Porto Destination Showcase – October 2023
- 20 Oct 2023
- Barbara Zanotelli Rodrigues
Two weeks ago, Barbara our Digital Marketing Executive had the incredible opportunity to attend the CLIA Destination Showcase in beautiful Porto, Portugal.
AI and ChatGPT will continue to transform the way in which travel agents work
- 20 Oct 2023
- Stephen Baxendale
Stephen Baxendale joined Advantage in February as our Technology Partnerships Manager. He shares with us his thoughts on the hot topic of AI and ChatGPT and shares some of the activities we have planned for members over the coming months.
Creating a motivated workforce
- 16 Oct 2023
- Danni de Nervaux
A Q&A with Steve Williams from Fred. Olsen Travel following his accolade at the Travel Weekly Agent Achievement Awards.
Lee Ainsworth appointed to ITT board of directors
- 07 Oct 2023
- Danni de Nervaux
Advantage’s Lee Ainsworth, Head of Operations, has been appointed to the board of directors of the Institute of Travel & Tourism (ITT) following elections in May. We spoke to Lee about what this role involves and how he intends to work with the next generation of talent.
Welcome Gemma Sparrow!
- 04 Oct 2023
- Danni de Nervaux
Meet our new AMS Business Development Manager for the south, Gemma Sparrow.
Meet the Global Business Travel team
- 20 Sep 2023
- Danni de Nervaux
Behind the scenes is a hardworking team that continues to innovate, helping Advantage members move their businesses forward by offering them dedicated business support. Read the blog to meet the Global Business Travel team.
A Tale of Two (US) Cities
- 12 Sep 2023
- John Hobbs-Hurrell
John Hobbs-Hurrell reflects on his time at the GBTA convention and ITMC Summit in America.
Advantage represents over 70% of the UK TMC market
- 22 Aug 2023
- Sonia Michaels
We are so proud to now represent over 70% of the UK TMC market following the release of this year's BTN Europe’s Leading TMC list.
Anthem of the Seas – by a first timer cruiser!
- 21 Aug 2023
- Millie Nunn
In July 2023, Millie Nunn and Noel Mutamba from the Advantage marketing team had the opportunity to visit Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas.
Discovering Icon of The Seas, Royal Caribbean’s Newest Ship
- 17 Aug 2023
- Jonny Peat
Commercial Manager (Cruise) Jonny Peat visits Royal Caribbean's newest, biggest ship, Icon of the Seas
Discovering Euribia , MSC's Newest Ship
- 17 Aug 2023
- David Forder
Head of Marketing David Forder had the pleasure of spending some time on MSC Euribia for herchristening in Copenhagen.
The Advantage Travel Partnership Appoints Adam Weatherby In Newly Created Partnerships Manager Role
- 07 Aug 2023
- Danni de Nervaux
Adam Weatherby will be responsible for managing relationships with a broad portfolio of partners
Villa holidays with Advantage Holidays & Cruise
- 01 Aug 2023
- Danni de Nervaux
Advantage Holidays & Cruise are now bringing you villa holidays across a range of beach destinations!
Global Business Travel Review 4.0 - Out Now!
- 25 Jul 2023
- Guy Snelgar
We have published the fourth edition of our Global Business Travel Review in collaboration with travel technology and data analyst specialist Travelogix.
Beverley Travel in top spot at TTG Top 50 Awards
- 24 Jul 2023
- Danni de Nervaux
We caught up with one of the founder-directors of Beverley Travel, Kelly Cheesman after they won 2023’s UK and Ireland’s No. 1 Travel Agency at TTG Top 50 Awards.
National Travel Agent Day 2023
- 24 Jul 2023
- Millie Nunn
This year, to celebrate National Travel Agent day, our team popped in with a variety of treats for our members to enjoy.
A day in the life of…a BDM
- 19 Jul 2023
- Danni de Nervaux
Our Business Development team plays a vital role in ensuring members have all the tools and support they need. We asked Emily Shannon to tell us what a typical day involves, supporting members, and what her favourite snack is!
Business Travel Show 2023
- 03 Jul 2023
- Guy Snelgar
Guy Snelgar reflects on the two-day Business Travel Show.
CLIA River Cruise Conference 2023
- 15 Mar 2023
- Jonny Peat
Advantage's Cruise Commercial Manager Jonny Peat shares his experience of attending the CLIA River Cruise Conference in Vienna.
International Women's Day 2023
- 08 Mar 2023
- Julia Lo Bue-Said
On this year’s International Women’s Day, we celebrate all the incredible women in our personal and professional lives.
Planning a holiday this year? Read our money saving tips
- 12 Jan 2023
- Danni de Nervaux
Blue Monday is the name given to the third Monday in January that has been coined as the most depressing day of the year – this is the perfect time to find an amazing travel deal.
One industry. Many sectors.
- 11 Nov 2022
- Julia Lo Bue-Said
This week I attended the IATA Wings of Change conference in Istanbul; an opportunity for Advantage to broaden its visibility across aviation, government, and regulators. The breath of European carriers and delegates from across Europe was impressive and I learnt a great deal at this well-staged event.
Do you need a Helping Hand?
- 04 Feb 2022
- David Moon
We know the last 2 years have been hard for all members, working tirelessly and often with limited resource. With an upturn in enquiries and bookings this will inevitably place further pressure on you and your business. Advantage is here to support you and we are delighted to launch our Helping Hands initiative!
Advantage welcomes TMC Easy Avenues
- 18 Jan 2022
- Sonia Michael
London-based award-winning travel management company Easy Avenues has joined as a member of The Advantage Travel Partnership. Easy Avenues has been trading for 12 years and has 14 staff providing business travel and events services for their clients. Michelle Roughan, CEO of Easy Avenues, said: “The reputation of Advantage and the benefits membership offers us as a TMC were key to our decision to join."
‘Holidays are sooo 2022’ Turn of Year Campaign
- 20 Dec 2021
- Danni de Nervaux
The Advantage Travel Partnership has launched a multi-channel marketing campaign, ‘Holidays are sooo 2022’ to support travel agents during this time. With the ongoing changes to travel restrictions, Advantage believes there is an opportunity for its travel agent members to attract new customers as well as support existing ones, by demonstrating their expertise in navigating the current complexities around travelling overseas.
Advantage TMC member insights into the impact of the US opening
- 11 Nov 2021
- Sonia Michael
Today marks a momentous day for transatlantic travel. Advantage members have been hugely affected by their travellers not being able to travel to the US for so long and none more so than our global business travel members. So, we asked seven TMC members how they felt today’s events would affect the industry and the sector moving forward and the importance of the US market to their businesses. Read on to hear their views.
Moving Forward Together Makes Us Stronger
- 04 Oct 2021
- Julia Lo Bue-Said
From 4am on 04 October the rules in relation to international travel have been updated with the traffic light system replaced by a Red List and a Rest of the World category. Advantage CEO Julia Lo Bue-Said reflects on how the news will affect the travel recovery roadmap, and talks about what's next at Advantage following receiving the Travel Legend Award at last week's Travel Industry by TTG Awards.
Why it’s important more than ever to have the right insurance policies in place for your business
- 13 Sep 2021
- Heather Haggis
As the travel industry is beginning to recover, we know how important it is to ensure your customer’s trips take place without a hitch. In this blog update, Heather Haggis, our Head of Advantage Financial Services (AFS), talks about the importance of sourcing the right financial protection for your businesses.
How do you start your own travel business off the back of a global pandemic?
- 16 Aug 2021
- Kelly Cookes
Setting up a travel agency under a ‘managed branch’ model is becoming a more popular option for those thinking of realising their dreams and starting their own travel business. Kelly Cookes shares why now might just be the right time for you to 'start your own travel business'.
Is it time to re-evaluate the role of the TMC?
- 20 May 2021
- Guest blogger
In what could be the biggest era of change for business travel, and specifically the role of the TMC, in association with leading mid-office software supplier Midoco, we assembled a panel of leading sector players to ask the question: Is it time to re-evaluate the role of the TMC? Midoco’s David Chappell shares a summary of the discussion.
A first-hand experience as international travel reopened on 17 May 2021
- 18 May 2021
- Julia Lo Bue-Said
On 17 May 2021, international travel for UK travellers officially restarted. We wanted a first-hand experience of the total travel experience, so Advantage CEO, Julia Lo Bue-Said booked the first flight out Faro, along with Advantage member, Jackie Steadman from Traveltime World. Read a full summary of Julia’s travel experience including the testing experience and the process at the airport.
