The Travel Agent Next Door marks a milestone
It has been a remarkable 10 years for The Travel Agent Next Door (TTAND) and its founder, Flemming Friisdahl admits to being ‘surprised’ at how the host agency group has grown from its beginnings in March 2014 to March 2024 when it now has 1,350 agents and is tracking on half a billion dollars in sales for this year.
“Yes, I am surprised we have not only the most agents of any host agency in Canada, but also the highest sales,” Friisdahl said. “When we first started, I had hoped for 300 to 400 partner agents, not the numbers we are at now. Imagine, almost half a billion in sales this year – Wow — I am so happy for our agent partners.”
The story of TTAND’s success
In this week’s issue of Canadian Travel Press, Friisdahl talks about what’s made TTAND different; what’s helped its succeed; and what the future holds for the host agency group.
And should you be wondering what’s made TTAND unique, Friisdahl will tell you: “I believe the key has been we do everything based on what our agent partners need. What I mean is, we go through a lot of work to be sure that the suppliers we have are who our agents want, the marketing we have is what they need, the website has the functionality they require.”
He also pointed out that: “I believe it is our job to help sell more of the suppliers’ product, and with 83 per cent of all TTAND agent partner sales with only Preferred and Approved suppliers, we achieve results for our suppliers.”
For the full story, check the latest issue of CANADIAN TRAVEL PRESS.
In the Photos
TOP
At a luncheon in Toronto yesterday (March 19), The Travel Agent Next Door team raise a glass to toast the group’s 10th anniversary. Seen here, from l to r, are Christine Ufniak, director of marketing; Penny Martin, VP agent experience; Nicola Gowe, director of finance; Chris Senior, CFO; Rhonda Stanley, VP new agent development; Flemming Friisdahl, founder; and Jeff Element, Sr. VP operations.
MIDDLE
TTAND’s Jeff Element, Penny Martin and Flemming Friisdahl are all smiles as they celebrate the group’s 10th anniversary.
