Advantage Reports Exceptional Network Growth

Advantage Travel Partnership today announced remarkable network expansion during its annual conference held in Malta. 

In the last financial year (1st October 2023 – 30th September 2024), the UK's largest independent travel agent partnership has welcomed more than 50 new branches to its network, significantly strengthening its market presence.

This strategic growth, comprising both new businesses joining the partnership and existing members expanding their operations, has generated an additional £550 million in annual turnover for the business, encompassing both leisure and business travel segments.

Julia Lo Bue-Said, CEO, Advantage Travel Partnership, said: "We are thrilled with the remarkable expansion of our UK network during the last financial year. At our Cancun conference last year, we announced a £100 million increase in UK turnover for the prior financial year. This year's result is five times that figure – an extraordinary achievement that not only demonstrates the travel sector's resilience and strength but also highlights our members' unwavering confidence in the future of our industry." 

Lo Bue-Said highlighted that 22% of new members have opted for the Partnership’s comprehensive. Advantage Managed Services (AMS) offering. She also noted a significant trend among existing standard members transitioning to the AMS model, attracted by its operational benefits. This service allows Advantage to handle all back-office functions and payment processing, enabling agents to concentrate on their core strengths of sales and customer service excellence.

She also revealed interesting insights into the evolving landscape of travel retail, adding: “While traditional high street presence remains strong, with 52% of new joiners operating from physical shops, there is clear diversification in operational models. More than a quarter (29% of new members are now home-based, with a further 19% choosing office spaces rather than customer-facing retail environments.

“This pattern demonstrates the flexibility and adaptability of The Advantage Travel Partnership's business model in accommodating various operational preferences while delivering comprehensive support across the travel spectrum.” 

When asked about how the business expects the rebrand to impact further recruitment of new members, David Forder, Marketing Director, Advantage Travel Partnership, added: “We believe that our strong rebrand will be a powerful catalyst for recruiting further new members to Advantage and help us further differentiate our proposition. Our refreshed identity not only showcases our evolution as an organisation but also reflects the premium value we deliver to our partners. By updating our brand language and visual identity, we're sending a clear message about our forward-thinking approach and commitment to innovation in the travel industry. Potential members will recognise that Advantage represents a community of travel professionals poised for growth and success in today's dynamic market. Our rebrand embodies the exceptional support, resources and collaborative spirit that define the Advantage experience—qualities that ambitious travel businesses are actively seeking in a partnership."