The Travel Franchise has been voted the Best Lifestyle Franchise in the world and Best European Franchise at the Global Franchise Awards 2025, which took place on February 11th.
Co-founder Paul Harrison, who received the trophy at a star-studded event in Las Vegas and founded the company in 2001 with business partner Steve Witt, said: “What started as a dream to give anyone the opportunity to become home-based travel consultants has grown into a multi-million-pound powerhouse with more than 720 UK franchises. Now the business is not just seen as the UK’s leading franchise for people new to travel but officially recognised as one of the top franchises in the world.”
The IFA is the world’s biggest franchise association with an independent panel of judges – CEOs, presidents and franchise experts – at the helm. The judges’ decision was based on the company’s business model, which empowers individuals new to travel to launch their own travel businesses with maximum flexibility and support.
The panel were impressed by The Travel Franchise’s ability to help franchisees from all walks of life achieve their personal and professional goals with the opportunity to travel and get their initial franchise fee refunded if they succeed in achieving a set amount of commission in their first year.
Speaking from the awards ceremony in Las Vegas, Paul Harrison said, “This award is a huge testament to the hard work of our incredible team and the amazing franchisees we’ve supported along the way. We’ve built a business that isn’t just about booking holidays; it’s about changing lives. Our franchisees get to work on their own terms – whether that’s full-time, part-time, or just in their spare time. Whether from the comfort of their living room or while working from a beach, they can create the lifestyle they’ve always wanted, and that’s what makes this so special.”
The business model has already helped countless franchisees earn £40,000 part-time (many in their first year of business) and over £100,000 full-time. But for many, the real reward is the life-changing flexibility on offer – whether it’s having the freedom to work around kids or getting the chance to start a new career after a health setback or decision to escape a high-stress job. The business also enables people to travel, taking bookings while they explore the world. One hugely successful consultant, Dale, set off in January on a 12-month worldwide tour and will be taking bookings along the way.
Meanwhile, Ellie, a new mum, left her stressful teaching job last year and in 12 months has achieved the company’s Money-Back Challenge, getting her initial franchise fee refunded having achieved a set amount of commission in her first year. “The great thing about this job is the flexibility,” she commented. “I never would have had that being a teacher. It will allow me to work around my baby’s schedule. I know I can do it because so many people do this job while juggling other jobs.”
