JLT Group is expecting an increase in the number of dynamic packages sold by its homeworkers after investing in a live booking system with Top Dog Travel Systems.
The new software, which is used by several other travel companies including Barrhead Travel and Ocean Holidays, will allow JLT homeworkers to see all offers from the majority of its suppliers in a single portal.
It will also allow homeworkers to issue branded quotes and itineraries and automates confirmations and reminders to be sent to customers.
JLT founder Janine Marshall said this will make it quicker and easier for homeworkers to package flights and accommodation, enabling them to make higher margins than selling tour operator packages.
“It will save agents time and also give them confidence, a lot of our agents feel underconfident in putting together packages themselves,” said Janine. “There are agents who want to start to do bespoke packages but they find it a little bit daunting, having everything in one system will make it easier for them.”
Janine told Travel Gossip earlier this year that she’d moved her company – previously known as Janine Loves Travel – from InteleTravel to PTS to be able to put together dynamic packages, with its own ATOL. PTS has just increased its franchise ATOL from 1,000 passengers to 5,000.
So far this year, JLT has booked 1,069 dynamic packages, which account for 24% of its sales, and this is growing year on year, said Janine. In November, dynamic packages accounted for 33% of its overall sales.
Janine said JLT, which has grown from 250 homeworkers in August to 340 by mid-December, also has plans for a customer-facing live bookable website for 2025.
It is planning to host its first travel expo, JLT Jamboree, at Mottram Hall in Cheshire, in March 2025. More than 100 agents have already booked for the sold-out overnight event, which has also attracted a range of suppliers including easyJet holidays, Grecotel, Iberostar and Visit Malta.
