Jacqui Cleaver points to the world map on the wall.

“There’s this country, and the one over there and that group of islands and…well that’s about it.”

Destinations where you’re not required to self-isolate on return to the UK.

As of yesterday, October 13, it stood at 59.

Out of 195 countries in the world.

No wonder the travel industry has been among the worst affected by the pandemic.

So all the more remarkable that a Bournemouth-based company – Protected Trust Services (PTS) – which solely serves the sector is not just surviving but positively thriving.

The 17-strong business has taken on five new staff and is on course to have 300 members by the end of the year.

PTS offers a range of services to travel businesses including ATOL certificates, merchant services, currency hedging and travel software,

At the company’s heart, though, is the trust account.

It allows each travel business joining as a member to separate client funds into an independent trust account to ensure compliance with package travel regulation.

When a customer makes payment for any travel package to a PTS member the money is paid directly into the PTS trust account.

The account is completely transparent so that a member can see their money, and their client’s money allocation, at any time.

According to PTS, 95 per cent of travel businesses need to pay suppliers in advance of their customers travelling.

This can be done from money in the trust account.

To cover the money, and maintain package travel regulation compliance, PTS arranges for supplier failure insurance to be in place for each client at a nominal fee.

All payments are automated through software designed and built exclusively by travel professionals.

PTS works with independent trustees at a firm of chartered accountants.

Their role is to protect the consumer against misappropriation of money and ensure the financial security of PTS members.

At any one time there can be around £150m in multi-currencies in PTS trust accounts.

Jacqui, PTS’ Head of Communications and Business Development, said: “The account is a strategic, cost-effective solution that helps tour operators and travel agents to manage cashflow, client monies and ensure compliance with package travel regulation.

“There are other trust providers but we’re the only one who reconciles every day.

“We’re a fintech (financial technology) company, providing consumer protection and peace of mind to our members.

“We’ve never had a member collapse.”

PTS members range from one-person operations through to firms with multiple sites and sales of up to £65m.

The company was founded in 2007 by Daniel Landen and business partner Tom Clay.

New recruits to the PTS team include a Commercial Director, Trade Partnership Manager and staff in recruitment/business development, member development and admin.

Jacqui, who is married to Daniel, said PTS was looking to grow organically but admitted the current crisis facing the travel sector was “dire”.

She added: “It’s the worst crisis to hit the industry and particularly bad for niche operators such as those involved with school groups, Formula One and skiing.

“But bookings are looking positive for next year and I genuinely believe that the industry will bounce back.

“It’s not a question of whether but when that will happen.

“Either way we’ll be here to support our members.”