Elite Travel Group reveals potential new member schemes
Contributors are not employed, compensated or governed by TD, opinions and statements are from the contributor directly
Elite Travel Group has revealed considerations to launch a scheme that allows high street travel agents to hire out office space for homeworkers.The programme, which is currently under the working name of Homeworkers in Placements (HIP), could be launched by the end of the year and would provide a desk, telephone and working space for several homeworkers and agents.
“HIP would offer an agency environment but allow homeworkers and ex-homeworkers to still work for themselves,” explained Wayne Darrock, chairman of Elite. “This offers a team environment and discipline and has stemmed from definite interest within our members”.
The consortium, which recently held its annual conference in Jersey, has also considered an affiliate arm to its membership so that more agencies can get involved with its events, training and tour operators’ network. The service expansion comes after Elite announced it has become a luxury specialist, with75% of its members committed to the name and its operation.
As a result,Darrock said Elite had become ‘pro-active rather than reactive’ in its dealings with tour operators and had got statistics from its partners to distinguish sales figures. It has also upped its face to face communication and training with agents through the appointment of Bob Philips, who is helping agents go through the Elite change process and into the future.
In addition, Elite director Robert Grinsell hinted that the consortium could drop its ABTA-member only policy as other schemes and options become apparent for travel agencies. Changes to this are expected to be announced after Elite’s AGM in February.