The Travel Franchise has been voted the Best Lifestyle Franchise in the world and Best European Franchise at the International Franchise Association’s (IFA) Global Franchise Awards 2025 (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, with the IFA’s endorsement, the business is not 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 IFA’s decision was based on the company's exceptional business model, which empowers individuals new to travel to launch their own travel businesses with maximum flexibility and support. 

Judges 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 your initial franchise fee refunded if you achieve a set amount of commission in your first year - a true game-changer in the world of franchising.

Talking 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 the real reward for many is the life-changing flexibility it offers. 

Parents have the freedom to work around their kids, others have found a new career after health setbacks, and many have escaped the grind of high-stress jobs in the NHS, police, and even those with punishing commutes. 

For these entrepreneurs, it’s not just about the money - it’s about freedom, flexibility, and a career that fits their life, not the other way around.

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.

Says Ellie: “The great thing about this job is the flexibility – 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.”

Other franchisees can now earn a fulfilling living while being carers to sick family members, others top up their pension to improve their way of life at a later age. 

The majority say that the franchise has changed their lives, and have given them incredible support and opportunities they did not realise were possible with the franchise package including more USPs than any other. 

The Travel Franchise includes two free mentorship retreats abroad in its most popular Elite (£14,995) franchise to a short haul and long haul location with the company hosting them in popular tourist spots ranging from Crete and the Canary Islands to the Caribbean and Mauritius.

The trip is no ordinary company retreat - experts attend the event hosting seminars on how to boost their businesses further. This year the company will hold their first overseas retreat in Crete, followed by a company Seminar and Sea cruise around the Norwegian Fjords.

With the IFA’s recognition and a growing network of passionate franchisees, Paul Harrison and his team are more motivated than ever to continue empowering people to follow their dreams, create their own businesses, and live the life they deserve.