Case Studies
Mark’s Travel
Mark Hurrell joined The Global Travel Group in April 2004 and within a year had
smashed his original business plan targets.
Mark, previously a Customer Services Manager for an electric and gas company, carried
out extensive research to ensure there was a market for him in the travel industry
then decided to start as a telesales agent based from home to keep outgoings low.
“I chose to join The Global Travel Group as it has the best credibility with a good
technology offering and support network that suited my home based operation,” he
says. “I have found that from the initial meeting all the way through to now, the
support has been superb.”
Mark, like many other agents, is seeing the benefits of having the Group’s award
winning Global Travel Web website. “We get the majority of our business through
our website as our customers can book online using the latest in travel technology.”
explains Mark.
The Group’s foreign exchange facility, globaltravelmoney.com, has also been a great
benefit to Mark. “It is so simple to use and I can place currency orders for my
customers in a matter of minutes. The feedback I have received from customers has
been great.”
Mark’s advice to new Group members is “The Group will offer you the tool kit and
support required to be successful, but ultimately the success of your business is
in your hands – enjoy it.”
Global Flight Centre
Global Flight Centre has been established for ten years and is one of the Group’s
longest standing members. David Finlay and his team of two have brought Global Flight
Centre to the success it enjoys today.
Previously a Development Manager for WH Smith, David has always been a keen traveller.
His love of travelling was the deciding factor in leaving his position within WH
Smith to embark on his own exciting business venture. “I chose to become a member
of The Global Travel Group because the package offered everything you could need
to start a new business,” David explains.
So, being new to the travel industry, did David struggle when he started out? “Not
at all!” he laughs. “Even though I had no travel industry experience I was very
well travelled and could draw on my own personal experience to offer advice and
knowledge to customers. It was also a great help that the Group systems, particularly
the back office system, was so easy to use.”
Since the launch of globaltravelmoney.com, the Group’s online foreign exchange facility,
Global Flight Centre has been one of many agents to benefit from the system. “It’s
an easy way to make money,” says David. “We put leaflets in with all of our tickets
and have an A-board outside the agency to promote the facility. Many of our customers
are pleasantly surprised that we can offer them this service.”
David has enjoyed the benefits of being a Group member for many years now and has
some words of advice for new members. “Being a member of the Group supplies you
with benefits such as access to fantastic technology and a huge range of Tour Operators.
The back office system is brilliant and incredibly easy to use,” David explains.
“However, it’s not just an easy way to make money. You need to know what you are
talking about and have a real love of travelling. It will show to your customers
if you are passionate about the products - I’m sure that has been the key to our
success.”
With ten years of business behind it, Global Flight Centre is looking to the future.
“Our long term vision is to get to grips with the internet and get a good online
presence. We have a Global Travel Web website and are looking forward to this becoming
an important part of the business in the future.”