Jet2holidays is to help up to 10 agents open a retail shop, providing both a financial contribution and business advice.
The operator says it’s prepared to invest ‘a potential six-figure sum’ in the new campaign, called Scale Up Your Street.
To enter, agents need to submit a written pitch outlining their vision for a new retail shop, including their target market, branding ideas, and business plan.
The entry form can be found here and the deadline for submitting pitches is 30 April 2025.
Entries can be from agents expanding an existing retail business, those looking to open their first retail shop or homeworkers who want to move into the high street.
A panel of judges from Jet2holidays will review all submissions and select a shortlist of finalists based on creativity, feasibility, and potential for success.
Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to a Dragon’s Den-style pitch to a panel of judges, including Jet2holidays Director of Travel Agent Relationships Alan Cross, General Manager Trade Sales Lloyd Cross, Seaside Travel owner and Director Nicola Park, and Hay Travel Mold franchise owner Don Bircham.
Each panellist will have a pot of cash, provided by Jet2holidays, and they’ll decide how much to contribute towards each business venture.
As well as a financial contribution, the winners will receive training and support to help them open their shop and drive footfall, including marketing support and branding materials.
They’ll also receive ongoing access to insights, and mentorship from industry experts. “Our partnership approach is based around the fundamental principle of helping independent travel agents to grow and succeed, and through Scale Up Your Street we are most definitely doing that by helping agents open a retail shop,” said Alan.
“We know this will be an enormously popular campaign and we cannot wait to start receiving pitches and ideas from our valued agency partners.”
