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On February 2, 2025, 1000 Mile Travel Group (1000MTG) marks a monumental milestone: its 10th anniversary. What began as a solution to a personal problem faced by founders Ben Ross and Nicola Veltman and to bridge a gap in the travel industry has since blossomed into a global leader supporting independent advisors within the travel industry. With a decade of growth, challenges, and triumphs, 1000MTG is poised to continue redefining the future of travel entrepreneurship.

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Starting the Journey: A Vision Born from a Problem

The journey of 1000MTG started as far back as 2013 when Ben realized that the technology, reporting, and support needed to grow an independent corporate travel business simply wasn’t available. After conducting extensive research, he found that the solution he was looking for didn’t exist. It was then that the idea for 1000MTG was born.

“While the initial idea was to solve his own problem, this quickly grew into something bigger,” Nicola reflects. “The larger vision was to help and give back to others in the industry who had the same drive and ambition in life and business while knowing there was a different way to get there. Ben’s journey and vision helped to create a blueprint for entrepreneurs to achieve flexibility and a lifestyle on their own terms, coupled with the support, technology, and reporting of a traditional travel company, all whilst giving back to themselves, their clients, and their families.

The company’s early days were not without challenges. One of the biggest hurdles was building brand awareness. With only a website, a logo, and colors, 1000MTG was essentially unknown. Yet, through relentless networking, marketing, and relationship-building, the company began to gain recognition and momentum. It was during this time on day 1 that 1000MTG signed its first independent contractor, Marnie Eden, whose decision to join the fledgling company was a pivotal moment.

“Marnie’s ‘yes’ was everything,” Nicola shares. “It gave us the confidence that the solution we created was one the travel industry needed.”

Milestones: A Decade of Growth and Innovation

 Reflecting on the company’s journey, several key milestones have shaped its trajectory. One of the most significant moments was the first conference in Bali, which the team considered a home away from home. Bali became a symbol of the lifestyle 1000MTG was offering its network: working remotely and traveling the world.

“It was a moment that showed we weren’t just talking about freedom—we were living it,” says Nicola.

A pivotal milestone that highlighted the unique value proposition of 1000MTG and one of the main reasons the company was born, was winning its first competitive RFP in 2017. This milestone showed the industry and all those in it that 1000MTG was a serious player in the SME marketplace and continues to have this competitive edge due to its unique model. Another game-changing moment was the company’s expansion into the UK, though launched earlier than planned, proved to be a vital step in the company’s global ambition to support cross-border and international clients with multi-locations.

Then, in 2022, 1000MTG’s acquisition by Corporate Travel Management (CTM) marked a turning point. After navigating the turbulence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 1000MTG team saw an opportunity to leverage CTM’s global reach and advanced technology suite to further its mission.

“CTM gave us the opportunity to expand our footprint, especially in the US, and to access tools that would help us grow and scale,” Nicola explains.

Adapting to a Changing World: Supporting Advisors Through the Pandemic

 When the COVID-19 pandemic hit it disrupted the travel industry in unprecedented ways. In the early days of the crisis, 1000MTG was expanding its UK operations. Amidst travel restrictions and border closures, the priority was to protect the business and support its network of independent contractors.

“We didn’t know how long it would last, so we focused on staying connected with our people,” says Nicola. “Ensuring at the end they had a home to come back to”.

1000MTG quickly launched a series of “Staying Connected” webinars, keeping advisors informed about government assistance programs, job opportunities, and mental health support. The company also worked with CTM to offer temporary roles to help advisors get back on their feet once borders started to reopen.

Thanks to these efforts, 95% of 1000MTG’s network remained intact post-pandemic, a testament to the strength and resilience of the community the company built. “Our first priority was to survive and then we had to work out how to thrive,” said Nicola.

One standout example of the impact 1000MTG had on an individual’s life is Kurt Hufer, an advisor who joined the company in 2018.

“1000MTG has been life changing. The freedom it has created, always being available to pick up my kids, and being able to work when and where I want to, has been incredible,” said Kurt.

Culture and Community: A Family-Oriented Approach

From its very inception, 1000MTG has prided itself on its family-like culture and it’s this sense of inclusivity and community that has extended to every member of the company.

“It’s always been about people—our team and our network. We wanted everyone to feel like they were part of something bigger than just a business,” Nicola explains.

This commitment to transparency is one of the things that sets 1000MTG apart. Whether it’s celebrating milestones, hosting picnics, or organizing large conferences, 1000MTG has built a culture where personal connections are just as important as professional ones.

The company’s model—allowing advisors to work from anywhere and build their own travel businesses—has resonated with countless independent contractors.

“We’ve created an environment where travel entrepreneurs can run their businesses on their own terms,” says Nicola. “We treat everyone as unique individuals, and that’s what makes the community so special.”

North American travel advisor Andrea Keiderling Fehl, echoes the sentiment stating, “being part of the 1000MTG community means everything. The support when I need it is there and so is the professionalism, plus the camaraderie and having the sense of friends and family is something I value highly at 1000MTG.”

The Future: Looking Ahead to Even Greater Heights

As 1000MTG celebrates its 10th anniversary, the company’s leaders are optimistic about what the future holds.

Alex Locke, General Manager UK, expresses excitement about the company’s continued growth. “10 years is just the beginning,” she says. “We are global now, and there’s so much more to accomplish. We’re committed to empowering people to live their dream lives and contribute to the industry in meaningful ways.”

Christy Shafer, Senior Vice-President and General Manager North America, shares a similar sentiment, emphasizing the company’s forward-thinking approach.

“The future looks bright for 1000MTG,” she says. “We’re constantly innovating and committed to providing exceptional experiences for our clients. The launch of 1000Access in North America is just one example of how we’re expanding our offerings,” stated Christy.

The company’s growth is not just about geographic expansion; it’s about continuing to innovate and enhance the services available to its network of independent contractors.

Lauren Gray, General Manager Australia, notes, “We’re always looking for new ways to support our business owners, and the opportunities ahead are endless.”

A Strong Foundation for the Next Decade

As 1000MTG enters its second decade, it remains committed to its founding vision: to provide independent travel advisors with the technology, tools, and support they need to succeed on their own terms. With a solid foundation, a growing community, and a forward-thinking approach, 1000MTG is poised to continue leading the way in the travel industry.

As Nicola puts it, “We’ve built something truly special, and the journey is just getting started.”

Happy 10th Anniversary, 1000MTG! Here’s to many more years of success and empowerment.