Latest News & Blog
The Future of Travel Tech: Key Trends Shaping 2025
- 16 Apr 2025
- Stephen Baxendale
The travel industry’s transformation is moving at a rapid pace. Technology is playing a key role in how businesses and travellers connect, and 2025 is shaping up to be another year of breakthroughs. One standout development was the launch of DeepSeek in February, an AI chatbot that quickly became one of the world’s best-known, largely because of its origin and much lower development costs compared to competitors like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google Gemini.
Holiday Dreams: Two working mums launch business and crush targets in their first year!
- 12 Mar 2025
- Advantage Member
We spoke to Joanne Devaney and Laura Rodrigues, the founders of Holiday Dreams as they celebrate their business' first anniversary.
Meet Millie and Amelia NAW 2025
- 12 Feb 2025
- Millie Nunn
This National Apprenticeship Week, we caught up with our Marketing Apprentice, Millie Nunn and our Events Intern, Amelia Collins! From creative campaigns to behind-the-scenes event planning, these two are making waves in their roles. Millie is undergoing her apprenticeship with A S Training in Level 4 Marketing and will soon be entering her final steps! Join us as we get to know them better, uncover more about their roles and maybe even learn a fun fact or two about them!
Three Countries in three Days - The Advantage Global Network visits Asia
- 11 Dec 2024
- John Hobbs-Hurrell
Head of the Advantage Global Network, John Hobbs-Hurrell, set off on an adventure to visit several of our members in Vietnam, Hong Kong and Singapore for a continental visit in November. John shares a summary of his time visiting the offices of Travelux, TransViet, and UOB Travel, tasting the delights of Asian food and culture and taking part in some community-based initiatives while attending the CT Partners conference in Vietnam. Read John's insights below and his top travel tips.
Meet Nick Wickers
- 18 Oct 2024
- Lily Fox
During the summer Nick Wickers joined our global business travel team. In his new role, Nick reports to Andrea and is leading our air, ground and technology commercial team. He will be focusing on curating a defined strategy to build and maintain strong trusted partnerships with key suppliers to negotiate the best commercial opportunities, building on the Advantage Air Programme and other products for our members. Find out more about Nick below.
New to cruise handbook
- 29 Aug 2024
- Millie Nunn
Are you a first-time cruiser? We’re here to guide you through what to expect on board and to share with you some of our top tips to ensure your first cruise is one to remember!
Meet our new BDM, John Simmons
- 16 Aug 2024
- Millie Nunn
John joins us with a focus on our corporate managed services members. We welcome his 15 years in corporate travel and experience with popular brands such as Hogg Robinson and American Express. We are excited John is joining us during a growth phase of the AMS model and to hear his plans on developing the model, supporting members and helping Advantage navigate the dynamic business travel sector.
Celebrating 15 years of Advantage Managed Services
- 15 Aug 2024
- Paul Nunn
What an incredible milestone! We are immensely proud of how the AMS model has evolved and flourished over the past 15 years. Equally, we take great pride in the exceptional members who make it all possible. Our commitment to investing in and enhancing the AMS proposition remains unwavering, ensuring that both current and future members continue to experience what we believe is the best-in-class managed service model. The past 15 years have been incredible…here’s looking forward to the next 15!
Meet Andrea Caulfield-Smith
- 13 Aug 2024
- Danni de Nervaux
Andrea Caulfield-Smith joined Advantage in April as Managing Director, Global Business Travel. Within her first few weeks, she was onstage in Mexico presenting to over 300 delegates her plans to develop our global business travel strategy at this time of fast growth. We wanted to chat with Andrea to find out more about her and how her first few months have gone.
Jessica Rayner joins FAM trip to Poland with LOT Polish Airlines
- 06 Aug 2024
- Jessica Rayner
Jessica Rayner, a member of our commercial team, was lucky enough to be invited on a FAM trip to Poland recently, experiencing the best sights, sounds, and flavours of both Warsaw and Wrocław, hosted by Christopher Szumilo from LOT Polish Airlines who we have a commercial agreement in place with.
Diversity Travel joins premium FAM trip to Taiwan with China Airlines
- 22 Jul 2024
- Jo Strange
Advantage member Jo Strange from Diversity Travel recently joined a premium fam trip to Taiwan with China Airlines, a key partner of the Advantage Air programme. Jo shares some highlights from her experience below…
It’s all about the money!
- 05 Jul 2024
- Kelly Cookes
How can you add more to your bottom line as an owner of an independent travel business? Chief Commercial Officer Kelly Cookes explains how the commercial side of the travel agency world works – and shares some tips on how travel businesses can stay one step ahead of the game and maximise their earning potential.
Sustainability: Small Business Impact
- 02 May 2024
- Millie Nunn
Sustainability in travel is crucial for protecting the environment, culture and local economies. It means making responsible choices to reduce harm to nature, support communities and keep destinations thriving for future travellers but what does this mean for SME businesses and how do you get started?
Happy 60th Anniversary Border Travel!
- 23 Apr 2024
- Millie Nunn
One of our Scottish members Border Travel has hit a big milestone, recently celebrating 60 years in business, and we want to wish them a Happy 60th Anniversary!
How to make the most out of your FAM Trip
- 18 Apr 2024
- Millie Nunn
Millie, a member of our marketing team, recently attended her first FAM trip to Sicily. Now, she's excited to pass on her top tips for making the most out of your next FAM trip experience. From networking strategies to creating engaging social media content, Millie shares all the essential advice to ensure that you make the most of your journey.
Exploring Lake Como with ATAS Experience
- 12 Apr 2024
- Barbara Zanotelli Rodrigues
Barbara in our Marketing team had the opportunity to join ATAS' inaugural Experience trip in March. Find out all about the trip and how to become an ATAS member.
Let's talk River Cruises
- 21 Mar 2024
- Gemma Sparrow
Business Development Manager Gemma Sparrow attended The CLIA Riverview Conference 2024 in Amsterdam last week and had the opportunity to visit 11 river cruise ships in 48 hours! River cruise continues to be a rapidly growing sector within the cruise industry – and so we see lots of opportunity there for our members. Gemma reports back on the trends, insights and learnings she took from the trip and shares some top tips for selling river cruise.
Professional Indemnity Insurance for Travel Agents
- 23 Feb 2024
- Heather Haggis
Advantage’s Head of Financial Services Heather Haggis makes the case for why taking out a Professional indemnity insurance policy is vital for travel agents to help protect their businesses.
Why Join a Travel Consortium?
- 07 Feb 2024
- David Moon
Should you join a travel agent consortium? Our Head of Business Development David Moon outlines the benefits and why a new year might just be the right time for you to consider joining.
Winterizing Your Business
- 31 Jan 2024
- Heather Haggis
Advantage’s Head of Financial Services Heather Haggis outlines how travel businesses who own their commercial premises should consider navigating insurance risks and safeguarding against seasonal challenges during the winter period.
How the 7P's Can Up Your Marketing Game
- 07 Dec 2023
- Millie Nunn
Navigating the complexities of business marketing can be challenging, but simplifying it to basics can provide some clarity. We share the fundamental 7P's of marketing and their pivotal role in shaping a successful marketing mix. Explore our latest blog for a deep dive into each element and some examples of where you can identify them in your own business and transform your approach to marketing success.
Bonds....future use as a financial protection method?
- 21 Nov 2023
- Paul Nunn
Following the challenges the pandemic posed the industry and with a backdrop of consultations and discussions questioning current financial protection methods, our COO, Paul Nunn, reflects on all things bonding.
Summary of the King’s Speech – November 2023
- 07 Nov 2023
- Danni de Nervaux
A statement from the public affairs agency FTI.
Our expansion into commercial insurance
- 25 Oct 2023
- Heather Haggis
Our in-house insurance broker has been offering members financial protection for over 20 years.
CLIA Porto Destination Showcase – October 2023
- 20 Oct 2023
- Barbara Zanotelli Rodrigues
Two weeks ago, Barbara our Digital Marketing Executive had the incredible opportunity to attend the CLIA Destination Showcase in beautiful Porto, Portugal.
AI and ChatGPT will continue to transform the way in which travel agents work
- 20 Oct 2023
- Stephen Baxendale
Stephen Baxendale joined Advantage in February as our Technology Partnerships Manager. He shares with us his thoughts on the hot topic of AI and ChatGPT and shares some of the activities we have planned for members over the coming months.
Creating a motivated workforce
- 16 Oct 2023
- Danni de Nervaux
A Q&A with Steve Williams from Fred. Olsen Travel following his accolade at the Travel Weekly Agent Achievement Awards.
Lee Ainsworth appointed to ITT board of directors
- 07 Oct 2023
- Danni de Nervaux
Advantage’s Lee Ainsworth, Head of Operations, has been appointed to the board of directors of the Institute of Travel & Tourism (ITT) following elections in May. We spoke to Lee about what this role involves and how he intends to work with the next generation of talent.
Welcome Gemma Sparrow!
- 04 Oct 2023
- Danni de Nervaux
Meet our new AMS Business Development Manager for the south, Gemma Sparrow.
Meet the Global Business Travel team
- 20 Sep 2023
- Danni de Nervaux
Behind the scenes is a hardworking team that continues to innovate, helping Advantage members move their businesses forward by offering them dedicated business support. Read the blog to meet the Global Business Travel team.
A Tale of Two (US) Cities
- 12 Sep 2023
- John Hobbs-Hurrell
John Hobbs-Hurrell reflects on his time at the GBTA convention and ITMC Summit in America.
Advantage represents over 70% of the UK TMC market
- 22 Aug 2023
- Sonia Michaels
We are so proud to now represent over 70% of the UK TMC market following the release of this year's BTN Europe’s Leading TMC list.
Anthem of the Seas – by a first timer cruiser!
- 21 Aug 2023
- Millie Nunn
In July 2023, Millie Nunn and Noel Mutamba from the Advantage marketing team had the opportunity to visit Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas.
Discovering Icon of The Seas, Royal Caribbean’s Newest Ship
- 17 Aug 2023
- Jonny Peat
Commercial Manager (Cruise) Jonny Peat visits Royal Caribbean's newest, biggest ship, Icon of the Seas
Discovering Euribia , MSC's Newest Ship
- 17 Aug 2023
- David Forder
Head of Marketing David Forder had the pleasure of spending some time on MSC Euribia for herchristening in Copenhagen.
The Advantage Travel Partnership Appoints Adam Weatherby In Newly Created Partnerships Manager Role
- 07 Aug 2023
- Danni de Nervaux
Adam Weatherby will be responsible for managing relationships with a broad portfolio of partners
Villa holidays with Advantage Holidays & Cruise
- 01 Aug 2023
- Danni de Nervaux
Advantage Holidays & Cruise are now bringing you villa holidays across a range of beach destinations!
Global Business Travel Review 4.0 - Out Now!
- 25 Jul 2023
- Guy Snelgar
We have published the fourth edition of our Global Business Travel Review in collaboration with travel technology and data analyst specialist Travelogix.
National Travel Agent Day 2023
- 24 Jul 2023
- Millie Nunn
This year, to celebrate National Travel Agent day, our team popped in with a variety of treats for our members to enjoy.
Beverley Travel in top spot at TTG Top 50 Awards
- 24 Jul 2023
- Danni de Nervaux
We caught up with one of the founder-directors of Beverley Travel, Kelly Cheesman after they won 2023’s UK and Ireland’s No. 1 Travel Agency at TTG Top 50 Awards.
A day in the life of…a BDM
- 19 Jul 2023
- Danni de Nervaux
Our Business Development team plays a vital role in ensuring members have all the tools and support they need. We asked Emily Shannon to tell us what a typical day involves, supporting members, and what her favourite snack is!
Business Travel Show 2023
- 03 Jul 2023
- Guy Snelgar
Guy Snelgar reflects on the two-day Business Travel Show.
CLIA River Cruise Conference 2023
- 15 Mar 2023
- Jonny Peat
Advantage's Cruise Commercial Manager Jonny Peat shares his experience of attending the CLIA River Cruise Conference in Vienna.
International Women's Day 2023
- 08 Mar 2023
- Julia Lo Bue-Said
On this year’s International Women’s Day, we celebrate all the incredible women in our personal and professional lives.
