Making Dreams Come True

Making Dreams Come True

“I feel just like a Fairy Godmother, bringing fun, excitement and the chance to make dreams come true” enthuses new franchisee Tracy McFall.  Now who wouldn’t want an opportunity like that?  But this is no ordinary franchise scheme.

Accessible Travel & Leisure (ATL) was created 10 years ago - with the vision to offer quality holidays, specifically designed for the less mobile.  The company was started by 3 wheelchair users on the premise that holidays for disabled people need to be individually tailored to clients’ particular disabilities and needs. Booking on line or through non-specialist agents is just too risky for those with essential requirements.  

ATL are currently recruiting 95 franchisees, all with designated territories, who are either disabled themselves, or are closely associated with someone who is.  This will give them an empathy with less mobile customers.  MD Andy Wright is himself a wheelchair user, and feels that with the excellent training programme on offer, franchisees can quickly acquire the underpinning knowledge and skills required to become specialist travel advisers; whereas qualities such as empathy, understanding and good communication are less easy to acquire.  As Andy says “No one understands the needs of the less mobile traveller more than the less mobile themselves.”

The financial rewards are substantial, for focused individuals who want to turn an initial investment of £13,975 into a long-term profitable business.  The target market is ever increasing as less mobile older people struggle to keep up with their desire for travel.

The ATL franchise was launched in July 2007 at the Mobility Roadshow, where visitors braved Gloucestershire’s worst flooding in decades to hear about the scheme.
This is where Tracy McFall signed up.  Tracy is bursting with enthusiasm as she describes her new role.  “I visit clients in their own homes if needed, and we can discuss their particular holiday requirements over a cup of tea.  This is far better for them than queuing at a high street travel agent, or risking a disaster by booking on line; with no guarantee of the accessibility of accommodation or resort.”
Tracy continues “not only is the support from Head Office fantastic, but also the support from fellow franchisees.  We all like to help each other.”  

This has to be a win win situation.  It ensures a challenging, rewarding and flexible home-based travel business opportunity, for those who might find mainstream employment difficult; as well as increasing the travel options for those with mobility problems.

With the emphasis on quality and service, a comprehensive initial training programme, a progress monitoring system and a dedicated franchise manager,
franchisees will help this go-ahead company strengthen its position, as a leading travel specialist helping the less mobile access the world.

Jan Brookes (Isle of Wight) was the first franchisee to sign up.  Although Jan is not actually disabled, with her nursing background and love of travel, she fully understands the many pitfalls disabled people encounter when booking through a mainstream tour operator.  Jan says, “the personal attention that a franchisee can give to a client’s booking can mean the difference between a great holiday and a potential disaster.  I am able to give local support and advice, and also a confidence boost, where needed.  The initial training I received was excellent, and my resort training in Tenerife was a great experience.”

Andy Wright concludes, “buying a franchise is a terrific way to start a business as it comes with a proven formula for success.  The reassurance of a reputable name plus quality training and support are invaluable.”

For further information regarding this release please contact Margery Wright, Marketing & Public Relations Manager
Accessible Travel & Leisure
margeryw@accessibletravel.co.uk