Not Just Travel has paid out its highest-ever monthly level of commission to its consultants April, which the company is attributing to the conflict in the Middle East prompting consumers to seek out advice from travel agents.
Commission paid to the company’s 800 self-employed consultants rose 10.7% year-on-year over the month. Top-performing franchisees in the network achieved commission rates of more than 16% on individual bookings last month. Multiple consultants recorded five-figure, single-booking days, with single sales exceeding £30,000 in value.
Cruise bookings climbed 39% year-on-year and now account for nearly one in five holidays sold across the network. Long-haul growth was led by Canada, up 90%, followed by Barbados, up 75%, Australia, up 56%, Thailand, up 27%, and the US, up 13%.
The company said ‘major supplier campaigns also fed into April’s success’ adding P&O Cruises’ summer 2028 launch ‘generated an 854% booking uplift on its opening day, with the second priority phase going on to outperform that opening day on volume.’
Disney’s latest Free Dining and Drinks promotion ‘drove a 416% year-on-year uplift through one supplier partner over the month.’
In Europe, bookings to Portugal rose by 17%, France 13% and Italy 19%, while UK staycation bookings were up 22%. Bookings to Cyprus fell by 54% year-on-year, with Turkiye down 25%.
Average booking value across the network was 12% higher year-on-year, which the company said pointed to customers prioritising quality and experience over price.
NJT co-founder Steve Witt said: “April tested the resilience of the whole travel sector. However, we have paid out record amounts of commission to our consultants. It is indicative of their success and does not happen by accident, but by consistent focus on customer service and highlighting their value to potential clients. Our consultants are trusted, accessible and expert, and when the news is uncertain, customers want someone they can trust rather than booking directly and managing the risk themselves.
“People assumed online booking and AI would eventually make agents obsolete. April shows the opposite. When the world feels more uncertain, the value of a trusted expert goes up.”
Meanwhile, NJT has announced its lifelong support for the charity ABTA LifeLine, donating £2 per travel consultant within its community annually.
ABTA LifeLine Chair and non-executive director of NJT’s The Travel Franchise recruitment arm Derek Jones, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that Not Just Travel is backing ABTA LifeLine’s appeal. This isn’t just about donations – it’s about hope. ABTA LifeLine is there for our colleagues and their families when life takes an unexpected turn, offering vital support at the hardest of times. But we can only keep that lifeline open if the funds are there. Every pound matters. This incredible support will change lives and remind those who are struggling that they are not alone.”
One consultant, Billie, said: “My daughter was undergoing chemotherapy treatment and having major surgery. The charity provided food vouchers and supported the purchase of a new bed and warm bedding for my daughter’s bedroom.”
