What a year it’s been for Aspire Travel! From bold goals to award-winning achievements, 2024 was nothing short of transformational for our business, proving that ambition, strategy, and heart can achieve the extraordinary.
Just 3.5 years ago, our founder Kelly took a leap of faith and invested in a travel franchise. Today, that franchise has skyrocketed into the top 10 in the UK, rubbing shoulders with giants like Burger King and KFC and even surpassing brands like Vodafone. This is proof that even in a market dominated by food and beverage franchises, the travel industry can break through—and lead.
But numbers only tell half the story. Let’s talk impact.
In 2024, Kelly set out to achieve what many thought was impossible: £4 million in holiday bookings. While others doubted, she saw the vision—and turned it into reality. Her philosophy? Dream big, plan smart, and inspire others to do the same. Fast-forward to today, and Aspire Travel didn’t just meet that goal; we smashed it.
Our success wasn’t just about hitting targets; it was about redefining them. At the annual travel consortium conference—surrounded by over 700 travel businesses—Kelly and her team earned:
Top Income Generator
The Founders’ Award (a first for the Aspire Travel team!)
TUI’s Top Seller in the UK
Classic Collection’s Top Seller of the Year
We also proudly secured the Travel Planner of the Year Award for the second consecutive year - 2024 and 2023, solidifying our place as leaders in curating exceptional travel experiences for our clients and also won Travel Agency of the Year for 2024. In recent weeks, Aspire Travel was also announced to be in the Top 10 of UK based Travel Agents for holiday bookings to Mauritius.
These accolades cemented Aspire Travel as the #1 travel business in the network—a huge leap from the skeptics who doubted us just 12 months ago.
A Year of Recognition and Growth
Our journey has not gone unnoticed. In 2023, we were honoured to be finalists for both Employer of the Year and the Start-Up Business Awards, demonstrating our dedication to building not only a thriving business but also an incredible workplace culture that prioritises our team’s growth, wellbeing, and success.
But there’s more to Aspire Travel than awards.
Breaking New Ground
We are a business with purpose. This year, we raised an incredible £12,000 for Safe Haven 4 Caitlin through our “Partners in Travel” initiative, giving back to the local community in ways that matter. And our commitment to grassroots efforts didn’t stop there—our sponsored girls’ football team brought home both league and cup victories in their final U16s year.
We also made waves in the travel industry, thanks to Kelly’s 9-year-old daughter, Harper Amy, who became one of the youngest Junior Hotel Inspectors for Classic Collection Holidays. Harper joined a fam trip to Turkey, conducting thorough reviews of kid-friendly facilities and sharing her insights through blogs and vlogs. Her groundbreaking work was celebrated across the industry and featured in Travel Weekly.
The Travel Hub: A Space for Connection
This year also marked the launch of The Travel Hub, a space designed to bring our remote team together. When we listened to our team, they told us how much they valued working alongside one another for their health, wellbeing, and mental health. So, we created a meeting point where they could collaborate, connect, and thrive. As an added bonus, our high street location allows the local community to pop in and discuss their next adventure face-to-face with our expert team.
And let’s not forget the fun! From navigating six countries in three days during a charity rally (while in fancy dress, no less!) to being recognised as “Best Team of the Year”, Aspire Travel knows how to combine passion with purpose.
What’s Next?
Kelly is aiming even higher. Inspired by stories like Dame Irene Hays’ £800 startup growing into a £2.25 billion empire, Aspire Travel has its sights firmly set on the future. “We’re just getting started,” Kelly says. “There’s no ceiling here, only sky—and we’re reaching for it.”
A Dedication
None of this would have been possible without the incredible people around us. To our amazing team who give their all every day, our trusted suppliers who go above and beyond, our loyal supporters who cheer us on, and our families who stand by us through every step of the journey—thank you. Your unwavering commitment is the foundation of everything we’ve achieved and the driving force behind everything still to come.
We believe success is about vision, determination, and surrounding yourself with the best. If you want to be part of a business that dreams big, delivers bigger, and is committed to making a difference, we’re hiring. Come join the journey!
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