Q&A: Does Travel Counsellors Franchise in the UK

Are you passionate about travel? If so, investing in an online travel franchise could be a fantastic opportunity for you, with a low initial investment cost but endless potential for profit.

Lily Sweeney, writer

Published at 16/02/2022 , Updated on 07/03/2026, Reading time: 4 min

Q&A: Does Travel Counsellors Franchise in the UK

Travel Counsellors has years and years of industry experience and success to its name, making for a safe and sensible choice. Read on, and discover everything you need to know about a potential franchise investment with Travel Counsellors.

Does Travel Counsellors franchise in the UK?

If you’ve ever dreamed of building your own travel business with the backing of an established global brand, you may have come across Travel Counsellors. The company is one of the best-known names in the travel franchise sector, with a model centred around independent business owners delivering personalised travel experiences.
But how does the opportunity actually work? And what does being a Travel Counsellor involve?
Below, we answer the most common questions about the Travel Counsellors franchise model.

Does Travel Counsellors offer franchise opportunities in the UK?

Yes. Travel Counsellors offers a franchise model in the UK, allowing individuals to run their own travel business under the Travel Counsellors brand.
Founded in 1994, the company pioneered the home-working travel consultant model, enabling entrepreneurs to operate their own travel businesses while benefiting from the systems, technology, and support of a larger organisation.
Today, the business has grown into a global platform supporting over 2,200 independent travel business owners serving both leisure and corporate clients.

How does the Travel Counsellors business model work?

As a Travel Counsellor, you’re self-employed and responsible for building your own client base and travel business. In return, the company provides the infrastructure needed to run and scale that business, including technology, training and operational support.
Travel Counsellors focuses on personal, relationship-driven travel planning, where franchise owners build long-term customer relationships and create tailor-made, luxury travel experiences or offer care-led business travel solutions.

Who can become a Travel Counsellor?

Travel Counsellors is for anyone, but it’s not for everyone. You don’t have to have travel industry experience, but you’ll need to be entrepreneurial and motivated to succeed. In addition, you’ll need:

  • A genuine passion for travel
  • A customer-first approach
  • To commit to running your franchise full-time
  • To be comfortable earning on a commission-only basis
  • The right to work in the UK
  • To fund your initial training

The history of the Travel Counsellors business franchise

First established all the way back in 1994, Travel Counsellors has been a travel homeworking business at the forefront of the sector for almost 30 years now. Founded by David Speakman with roots in North West England, the brand’s pioneering franchise model enables travel professionals to run their own leisure or corporate travel business from home.

Since its inception, Travel Counsellors has been consistently committed to the provision of excellent customer service and a great customer experience. This is what sets the company apart. Travel Counsellors genuinely wants every customer to have the best travel experience possible. And customers recognise this.

Start a franchise in the travel booking sector with a Travel Counsellors franchise

If everything you’ve learned so far about travel counsellors has left you increasingly keen to take the leap and make your move, keep reading. The three questions answered below will provide you with all the information you need in order to make a fully informed franchise investment with Travel Counsellors…

1. How much does it cost to become a Travel Counsellor?

Travel Counsellors Academy Training Programme, specifically designed for people who’ve never worked in travel, costs £5,000 – with the opportunity to earn back your fee in your first year.

For this investment, you’ll get:

  • A six-month onboarding programme, including a 10-day virtual induction
  • A mentor to guide you through your first 12-months
  • Ongoing coaching and support from a dedicated Relationship Manager
  • Access to their award-winning booking platform, Phenix – with powerful AI integrations which allow you to work smarter
  • The support of a global community
  • The backing of a billion-pound business with excellent buying power
  • Monthly incentives where you can win a place on some incredible trips
  • Familiarisation trips so you can build your product knowledge
  • Access to on-demand and in-person training
  • ATOL bonding, financial protection, and CLIA membership
  • Plus much more

2. What can I earn as a Travel Counsellor?

As a Travel Counsellor, your earnings are unlimited – so you really do get out what you put in. The top-performing franchise owners can earn in excess of £100k.

3. How can I learn more about becoming a Travel Counsellor?

One of the best ways to get a feel for whether setting up your own travel franchise with Travel Counsellors is right for you is to book onto one of their relaxed, no-pressure Discovery Events. There’s no hard-sell – just a chance to ask your questions, take a deeper dive into their award-winning franchise model, and hear from real Travel Counsellors who’ve changed their lives for the better.

>> Read more: 5 Advantages of Running a Travel Franchise

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Lily Sweeney, writer

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