1000 Mile Travel Group (1000MTG) is marking a major achievement in early February 2025 – its 10th anniversary.
Since its founding in 2015, the company has grown from a bold idea into a global network empowering independent travel advisors.
Co-founders Ben Ross and Nicola Veltman launched 1000MTG to solve a gap in the industry – offering corporate travel advisors the tools, technology and support they needed to thrive.
What started with just a logo and a website soon gained momentum through networking and industry recognition.
“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,” Veltman said.
“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.”
A decade of milestones
One of 1000MTG’s earliest triumphs was signing its first independent contractor on day one – Marnie Eden – which set the foundation for its now-thriving community.
“Marnie’s ‘yes’ was everything,” Nicola said. “It gave us the confidence that the solution we created was one the travel industry needed.”
The company’s first conference in Bali was also a defining moment, symbolising its work-from-anywhere philosophy.
“It was a moment that showed we weren’t just talking about freedom – we were living it,” stated Veltman.
In 2017, 1000MTG proved its industry credibility by winning its first competitive RFP, cementing its presence in the SME market.
Expansion into the UK followed, bringing its innovative model to a global audience.
Then, in 2022, 1000MTG joined Corporate Travel Management (CTM), enhancing its capabilities with new technology and international reach.
“CTM gave us the opportunity to expand our footprint, especially in the US, and to access tools that would help us grow and scale,” Veltman said.
And then there was the pandemic.
1000MTG’s “Staying Connected” webinars kept advisors informed, and they partnered with CTM for temporary roles during reopening. Thanks to these efforts, 95% of 1000MTG’s network remained intact post-pandemic.
“We didn’t know how long it would last, so we focused on staying connected with our people,” said Veltman.
“Ensuring at the end they had a home to come back to”.
Looking ahead
Now, as 1000MTG enters its second decade, it remains committed to supporting independent travel advisors, fostering community and redefining the future of travel entrepreneurship.
“10 years is just the beginning. We are global now, and there’s so much more to accomplish,” Alex Locke, General Manager UK, said.
“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 added, “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,” she remarked.
Ultimately, Veltman says the key to the company’s success – and its future – is simple.
“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,” she notes.
“We’ve created an environment where travel entrepreneurs can run their businesses on their own terms.
“We treat everyone as unique individuals, and that’s what makes the community so special.”
1000 Mile Travel Group will mark 10 years with its first-ever Australia-UK conference in Hong Kong.
Find out more at 1000miletravel.com.
