The Advantage Travel Partnership’s managed service model reaches a significant 15-year milestone.
- Introduced in 2009, the AMS model aims to streamline travel agency operations.
- The model has grown to include 76 branches, generating £150m in annual turnover.
- AMS offers financial protection, back-office support, and marketing solutions to its members.
- Testimonials from members highlight the model’s impact on business efficiency and customer focus.
The Advantage Travel Partnership is marking the 15th anniversary of its Managed Service model, a significant achievement for a concept first introduced in June 2009. The model was designed with the specific aim of reducing the administrative burden on travel agencies, allowing them to focus more on sales and customer services. It has since become the fastest-growing of the consortium’s membership models.
Since its inception, the Advantage Managed Service (AMS) model has expanded to include 76 branches, collectively contributing to an impressive annual turnover of £150 million. This represents a 63% increase in turnover compared to pre-pandemic levels, highlighting its resilience and efficacy in navigating challenging market conditions.
Chief Operating Officer Paul Nunn underscored the model’s popularity among new members joining the group. ‘This model is by far the most popular for new members,’ he stated. One key advantage of AMS is the comprehensive financial protection it offers; with all client funds protected in trust, it is considered superior to models where only own-ATOL monies are separated.
Further enhancing its appeal, the AMS model provides members with a suite of financial and operational resources. These include access to dedicated financial administration support, transparent customer transaction monitoring, and a bespoke back-office system. Members also benefit from having their own ring-fenced trust accounts, allowing for individual online bank account access.
The model’s continued growth and innovation are supported by significant investments from Advantage, such as the introduction of a new back-office system within the past year. Members gain the advantage of a designated Abta number, in-house Atol options, and centralized supplier payments. They also receive comprehensive business development support, extensive marketing campaigns, and specially negotiated commercial terms.
Member testimonials illustrate the substantial benefits of the Advantage Managed Service model. Joanne Devaney and Laura Rodrigues from Holiday Dreams, for instance, have noted a remarkable turnover since their store’s recent inception. ‘We are really seeing the benefit of the Advantage Managed Service model,’ Joanne Devaney stated, highlighting the operational efficiency it provides.
Similarly, Sophie Lombari of Abbot Travel expressed gratitude for the model’s role in their business success over the past 15 years. ‘Without the support of the AMS team, it would not have given us the opportunity to create such a successful business.’ Her comments reflect the model’s capacity to shift administrative duties away from day-to-day operations, allowing agencies to dedicate more time to client engagement and service.
As the AMS model continues to evolve, its benefits become increasingly apparent to both existing and new members; a testament to its well-rounded approach in supporting and growing travel businesses.
The Advantage Managed Service model stands as a pivotal component in the growth and efficiency of its member agencies.
