Luxury operator Carrier is on the lookout for homeworkers starting out in the luxury sector to join its new affiliate partnership scheme.
Its first partner is Travel by Abigail, owned by Abigail MacGowen, who will get access to the booking system used by Carrier’s travel agency and enjoy the benefits of commercial agreements from its consortium Advantage Travel Partnership.
Homeworkers who join can book a range of tour operators, not just Carrier, and all payments to suppliers will be handled by Carrier and be fully financially protected.
As authorised agents of Carrier, affiliate partners will enjoy ‘preferred partner’ status.
This means they will qualify for the same benefits as the operator’s preferred partner agents, including enhanced sales support such as over-branded marketing campaigns, luxury educational opportunities, and bespoke quotes.
Affiliate partners would be expected to deliver similar revenues for Carrier as existing preferred partners.
Carrier managing director Mark Duguid said: “We’re delighted Abigail has chosen to partner her new business with Carrier. As a trade focused brand, we are always keen to develop strong relationships with like-minded agents.
“This new model allows us to do this whilst simultaneously offering a great solution for the growing number of smaller home-based agents operating in the luxury sector.”
Duguid said the operator planned to increase the number of affiliate partners by the end of the year.
“With Abigail’s successful pilot under our belt, we’re looking to grow before the end of the year. There is no target number of agents in mind; it’s about partnering with the right people,” he added.