Helloworld Travel Limited has invested in the Newcastle-based Hunter Travel Group (HTG) by acquiring a minority share in the business.
HTG operates seven fully branded Helloworld Travel stores in Newcastle and surrounding areas together with two Cruise Travel Centres. The group also operates eight Royal Automobile Club of Tasmania (RACT) travel outlets in Tasmania in partnership with the RACT and one Cruise Travel Centre in Hobart.
As part of the agreement, Helloworld Travel has agreed to sell a 75 percent stake in Helloworld Travel’s seven wholly owned retail outlets to HTG. These outlets include those located in Maroochydore (QLD), Knox Westfield and Toorak (VIC), Eastgardens Westfield and Parramatta Westfield (NSW), Canberra City (ACT) and Bunbury (WA).
This will take to fourteen the number of Helloworld Travel fully branded and to eleven the number of Helloworld Associate stores owned and operated by HTG around Australia.
“We are delighted to partner with our largest multi-franchise operator and see them expand their retail footprint.”
Andrew Burnes, Helloworld Travel Chief Executive
“HTG is a multi-award winning travel retailer and it is exciting to see a regionally based business expanding nationally.”
Brett Dann, CEO of HTG said: “the partnership is a very important step in the development of HTG’s retail travel business and now gives the HTG business operations in most states”.
“We are thrilled to strengthen our partnership with Helloworld Travel Limited. The alliance will enable the expanded business to leverage the combined size and drive efficiencies in their respective operations through shared systems, accounting functions, sales support and marketing activities. We look forward to welcoming the new stores to the HTG family and working with them to create a bright and prosperous future.” he added.