GoCruise & Travel unveils mentor plan amid record start to year

GoCruise & Travel is capitalising on a record start to the year by investing in a new mentor programme to help new-to-travel franchisees.

 

The franchise agency – part of the Fred Olsen Travel Group – said sales so far in 2025 are up 14% on 2024 and four new franchisees are joining the business.

 

The new mentoring programme includes a year of support, guidance and coaching for new members in a variety of skills to enable them to build a successful business.

 

Experienced franchisees will offer one-to-one sessions, meetings and events to help broaden their knowledge with the reassurance of having a mentor on hand to discuss ideas and ask questions.

 

The mentors are paid a fee to support for their time and experience sharing.

 

Colin Martin-Weekes, GoCruise & Travel’s head of franchise, said: “As customer demand and expectations grow, educating and supporting our new members will be instrumental to our success.

 

“Knowing that there is always someone there who will offer support and advice will not only give our new franchisees confidence and the tools to succeed, but it is also incredibly important for their well-being.”

 

He added: “With 75 members, we strive for the right fit in our recruitment to ensure the proposition is right for the potential franchisees and the franchisor GoCruise&Travel model.

 

“Pride is a big part of our ethos, and ensuring our new members understand and support this culture plays a big part in the success of the franchise. It’s all about the people and that is what makes a positive difference.”

 

One of the new mentors, Jo-Ann Kennedy, has been a GoCruise & Travel franchisee for the past 20 years.

 

She said: “I bring a wealth of experience and skills to the role of franchisee mentor. I previously handled sales training and coaching for a large non-travel related PLC.

 

“These skills are particularly beneficial when supporting franchisees from a non-sales related background or those who are new-to-travel.”

 

Another mentor, Christina Astill, added: “A personal and tailored approach is crucial to the success of building a business.

 

“Everyone is different and that’s what makes the mentoring so important. I love spending time with the franchisees, coaching them and supporting them on the end of the phone.

 

“Seeing them achieve their goals is incredibly satisfying.”

 

GoCruise & Travel is aiming for 11 new franchisee members this year to add to the 21 new members in 2024.

 

In addition to new-to-travel, GoCruise & Travel also welcomes those with travel experience, offering tailored training and development options to suit the level of experience and ability in both the travel and wider business world.

 

Franchisees have the option to work from home or have their own travel shop.

 

Pictured from left: Colin Martin-Weekes, Jo-Ann Kennedy and Christina Astill.