Travelance is analyzing other markets that could offer “real opportunities” for both agencies and their partners, as part of its international expansion after the recent landing in Portugal, a country in which it hopes to reach 1,400 member agencies in 2026, which will represent practically 100% of independent travel agencies in the Portuguese destination.
This was highlighted by its General Director, José María Hoyos, in an interview with Europa Press, stressing that expansion into other countries is “necessary” for the center at the strategic level, because “the sector does not stop changing and modernizing itself.”
Regarding the forecast in the neighboring country in 2026, the president of the alliance believes that this sustainable growth shows that “the model is working”, because the feedback is “very positive”: “clear and easy-to-recover incentives, simple and transparent rules, and continuous support that boosts sales.”
Moreover, he stressed that Portugal is an “essential step” for Travelance’s growth, considering it a market with “remarkable maturity”, with professionals “highly compatible” with the Center’s philosophy and with a business dynamism that “perfectly fits the cooperation model”.
Currently, Travelance already has 1,154 Portuguese travel agencies registered in the entity’s loyalty programs, a number that confirms, for the manager, not only the good reception of the project, but also the strength of the connection it builds with the Portuguese market.
The center was formed with Europamundo and Soltur as key partners. Guest Incoming, TUI, Flexible Autos, Dimensiones Club and Itinae, as subsidiaries; Intermundial and Jumbo Tours are preferred suppliers.
Discover collaborations with companies that provide “differentiated value”
Besides looking for new options outside of Spain and Portugal, Hoyos also confirmed that the alliance continues to explore new opportunities for collaboration with companies that can contribute “differential value” to the agency channel.
“We are not looking for partners of scale, but those who generate complementarity and synergy and offer a richer offer to agencies, whether they belong to the sectors in which we are already present or not,” he added in this regard.
In this context, he emphasized that the goal is to continue balancing the alliance with brands that share Travelance’s vision: “Collaboration, Innovation and Channel Service.” It has also focused on technology to help agencies improve their daily operations through advanced solutions and AI-based tools.
According to the Director General, this is a cooperation in which the Authority has made progress and will be able to provide more details during the second edition of the Travel Awards, which takes place this Thursday and which includes new categories and prizes worth more than 35,000 euros – including the integration of the Travelance Rewards award -.
Regarding these awards, which were born with the aim of “highlighting the daily efforts made by tourism professionals, thanking them for their commitment and strengthening the relationship”, Hoyos stressed that they have “matured” and found their place “as a relevant event within the sector’s calendar”.
Travelance’s intention is for this event to continue in the coming years. “As long as it continues to generate real value for agencies and agents, we will continue to bet on it,” the manager said in the interview.
2025 is “important” and 2026 is “sustainable growth”
For Hoyos, 2025 was a “particularly important” year for the centre, highlighting that it was a period that strengthened its loyalty programs and saw how travel agents increased their engagement “in a fantastic way”.
In this context, Travelance Club has previously awarded more than 12,000 bonuses, representing a total saving of €900,000 to more than 2,500 agencies. Meanwhile, Travelance Rewards has surpassed nearly 2,000 registered agents and registered nearly 12,000 bookings, equivalent to more than €30,000 in Amazon cards.
“Together, this shows that Travelance’s collaborative and flexible model is working, adapting to the market and bringing real benefits,” he added.
Looking to 2026, Travelance expects a year of “sustained and strategic growth,” where the priority will be to further enhance alliance value, enhance business opportunities and continue expanding technological tools and loyalty lines.
All under a clear focus, as the Center’s General Manager concluded: “Continuing to be a useful, close and effective partner for travel agencies.”