Money makes the world go round, it can be the root of all evil, but it’s also what keeps a business thriving in a challenging modern day world, especially in travel.
But according to TravelManagers CEO, Michael Gazal, and House of Travel CEO, Joe Araullo, there’s one thing more important to a business than just focusing on bringing in the dough.
It’s learning new ways to provide and add value.
Talking to hundreds of Personal Travel Managers and suppliers during the first day of the 2016 TravelManagers Conference, the two bosses explained that if a company or individual can show their clients value, then money will follow.
“In your business, it’s important to focus on value, not money.”
Joe Araullo, House of Travel CEO
“Because where there’s value, money will follow.”
Over at TravelManagers, ‘adding value’ for clients is delivered through a variety of measures including experience.
Gazal told attendees that currently TravelManagers has Australia’s largest and leading personal travel manager network, with an average of 20.4 years.
“We believe this is unrivalled in the industry.”
Michael Gazal, TravelManagers CEO
“We are the most experienced group network in Australia.”
But that’s not all, consultants are backed by the most experienced support team, with members of the National Partnership Office offering an average of 19.5 years in travel.
Gazal explained that this extensive collective time in the industry allows every individual business owner to offer their customers the “ultimate experience” through a “premium travel network”.
Another area the group ‘adds value’ is through its close supplier partnerships, which gives them access to exclusive offerings such as the exclusive travel insurance insolvency available to PTMs through Allianz and the decade-long relationship with Amadeus, which allowed TravelManagers to be the first group to use the IT company’s new web-based selling program, making Agents completely mobile.
Suzanne Laister, National Partnership Manager in Sydney, also sees TravelManagers’ many networking opportunities – with head office, peers and clients – as unique opportunities where Agents can give their customers something a little extra.
She said supplier days, business days and client information evenings create opportunities for consultants to step outside their bubble and gain valuable information.
“Success in the wild is through partnerships, it’s natural.”
Suzanne Laister, National Partnership Manager in Sydney
“Partnerships give you opportunities to brainstorm and learn from each other.”
Day one of the 2016 TravelManagers Conference closed with a White-themed Welcome Reception at the R-Bar located in the Renaissance Hotel Bangkok, where the three-day event is being held.
Hotel managers took time out to explain the evening’s white theme, saying it was part of a Thai ritual, which also involved lighting candles, making a wish and then floating them out on water.
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