Days after wrapping up a major marketing campaign with Sunrise, Flight Centre is on the move again and reportedly in negotiations to purchase five separate travel companies.
Managing Director Graham Turner, who is currently in London for the Rugby World Cup, said acquisitions would be Australian-based as well as internationally operated and could cost the company as much as $50 million.
Turner said he’s confident the business would start making money back on at least two or three purchases in the next few years, The Australian reported.
“They will contribute to our company.”
Graham Turner, Flight Centre Managing Director
When asked if Flight Centre would consider investing in its competitor helloworld, Turner said while he had considered it, the company didn’t ‘fit into’ Flight Centre’s portfolio.
“We thought about looking at Helloworld and decided against it,” he said.
“It would have been a bit of a distraction, but we are looking at others that are smaller and more strategic for us.”
Meanwhile, earlier this month Flight Centre turned its attention to building momentum in the leisure market.
The agency group sent over 40 members of the Sunrise’s crew to five countries in five days, broadcasting their experiences to millions of Australian viewers.
Flight Centre’s Tourism Relationship Manager, Sally McFadyen, told KarryOn the company has received positive feedback from both audiences who now have proof of the group’s Round the World capabilities.
“As the airfare experts, it’s important for us to showcase to travellers that there are so many options out there for flights and RTW fares are a great option.”
Sally McFadyen, Flight Centre Tourism Relationship Manager
“We had a an amazing round-the-world team of experts backing us so we knew the Sunrise crew were in safe hands and we’ve been thrilled with all the positive feedback from our stakeholders and engagement from our social audiences.”