On-the-road teams begin using Target’s ‘Desks for Reps’ scheme

The first on-the-road sales representatives have begun using travel agents’ desks in an initiative launched by Travel Agent Reform Group Engaged Together (Target).

So far, 105 travel agencies in England, Scotland and Wales have offered to make a spare desk in their shops, offices or homes to support suppliers’ teams when they are making visits to their partners.

Newmarket Holidays’ Gemma Walker (pictured) was among the first to take advantage of the ‘Desks for Reps’ scheme, which was first mooted in November.

Walker caught up on work at Westoe Travel in South Shields this week, meaning she could log on and catch up on emails, calls and messages before her two-hour drive home.

She said: “When I visit our travel agents in the northeast it’s a two-hour drive home and too late to respond to agents before they close.

“Having the opportunity to answer emails and messages in this way helps us to support our travel agent partners promptly.

“We are so grateful to [Target co-founders] Graeme Brett and Jill Waite for co-ordinating this fantastic scheme.

Suppliers’ on-the-road team members are asked to contact Target via Facebook or email to take advantage of the scheme.