The Travel Agent Next Door CEO Flemming Friisdahl says recruiting accounting staff these days can be a challenge but the same isn’t true when it comes to bringing independent travel agents on board. 

In fact, TTAND is seeing plenty of agents eager to be affiliated with it, he reports.

“The labour market in Toronto has been difficult since the pandemic started, especially when it comes to accounting staff, because hiring accounting staff is based on market rate salaries for accounting staff in general, not just the travel industry,” Friisdahl reports. “Like everyone right now, we have been finding it hard to recruit new staff for our Toronto head office. As we continue to grow significantly, we are back to adding to our team every six to eight weeks.

“However, when it comes to independent travel agents joining us – and new travel agents asking about our training program – we have never been as busy. We literally have on average about 50-plus people inquiring about our program weekly. I believe the key to our success is ongoing referrals from our current TTAND agents – as well as having an in-depth program to make sure these new entrants to travel are successful. 

“We take time to explain our industry in-depth and weed out potential new agents if we see no chance of success.”

Meanwhile, Friisdahl says he has a basic and sound philosophy when it comes to travel agents.

“The key to the continued success of travel agents is making sure they are qualified and bring value to the consumer,” he states.