If you’ve been thinking about starting (or restarting) your travel business, you couldn’t have picked a better time.
The travel industry isn’t just bouncing back — it’s growing faster and stronger than anyone predicted.
And the opportunities for independent agents?
They’re bigger than ever.
Here’s a closer look at what’s happening right now — and why you should be paying attention.
The Travel Industry Has Fully Bounced Back — and It’s Growing Fast
After a few uncertain years, travel has come back with full force.
➔ In 2024, the global travel and tourism sector reached around £8.6 trillion, officially returning to pre-pandemic levels — and it’s still growing. (WTTC)
➔ Travel demand is now outpacing supply, which means agents who position themselves well are thriving. More people want to travel than there are immediate options available, creating huge demand for smart, connected agents who know how to navigate it.
➔ In fact, in 2023, independent travel agents saw a 28% increase in bookings compared to 2019. (ABTA)
It’s clear: travellers are back, and they’re looking for real experiences, not just deals.
And that’s where independent agents come in.
Travellers Want Real Experts, Not Just Websites
In today’s world, travellers don’t just want a cheap package or a website that sends them 100 automated options.
They want help.
➔ 80% of travellers say they are more likely to book with a real person after facing online booking issues. (Forbes)
Think about it:
When travel is more expensive, complex, and personalised than ever before — who do people turn to?
Someone who knows what they’re doing. Someone who can tailor the trip to them.
That’s why more and more people are actively choosing independent agents.
They want advice. They want flexibility.
And they want a real relationship — not just an online confirmation email.
Home working Is Now the Fastest-Growing Model in the Travel Industry
It’s not just the demand for travel that’s changing — the way travel agents work is changing too.
➔ Homeworking and independent agent models are now the fastest-growing sector in the UK travel industry.
Gone are the days when travel agents were tied to the high street.
Today’s agents work smarter, using online systems, social media, personal branding, and strong supplier connections to run powerful businesses from anywhere.
And they’re doing it on their terms — around their lives, their families, and their own dreams.
It’s flexible. It’s smart. And it’s the future of travel.
You may also like: What does working from home as an independent travel agent look like?
Travel Spending Is Higher Than Ever
And the good news?
People aren’t just talking about travel — they’re spending on it.
➔ In 2025, worldwide travel spending is expected to hit new highs.
People are investing more into travel experiences than ever before. (Statista)
➔ In the UK alone, travellers are expected to spend over £65 billion this year on holidays abroad — from quick European getaways to once-in-a-lifetime trips around the world. (Statista)
➔ The UK travel agency market is worth around £17 billion — showing just how important real travel agents are in today’s industry. (Statista)
People want to travel.
They’re ready to spend.
And they’re actively seeking out travel agents who can make it easier, better, and more personal.
Why Now (And Why JLT)?
Here’s the truth:
You don’t need 10 years of experience to start your travel business.
You don’t need a huge budget.
You don’t even need a background in travel.
What you do need is the right platform, the right training, and the right support.
And that’s exactly what we’ve built at JLT.
✔️ A serious business model that sets you up for success.
✔️ A proven track record of helping agents grow real businesses.
✔️ A growing community where support, learning, and collaboration happen every single day.
We believe that building a travel business should feel exciting — not overwhelming.
And we’re here to help you make that happen.
If you’ve ever thought about turning your love for travel into something real — something that gives you more freedom, more flexibility, and more fulfilment — now is the time.
The opportunity is real.
The demand is real.
And your future in travel could be real too — if you decide to take the first step.
