After a big year in 2023, TravelManagers is forecasting an even bigger year in 2024. According to TravelManagers Chief Operating Officer Grant Campbell, the network achieved an average monthly sales growth of 68 per cent in 2023 compared to 2019 “across a variety of measurables”, with average margins around the same.
At an individual level, the numbers are also impressive, Campbell says, with 11 per cent of personal travel managers (PTMs) hitting an annual sales mark of over $2 million, which is nearly four times higher than the three per cent who reached the mark in 2019.
Elsewhere, 2.5 times the number of PTMs are surpassing the $1 million annual sales mark, with 40 per cent hitting that target versus just 16 per cent in 2019.
Campbell adds that average consumer holiday spend grew by 46 per cent in 2023 against 2019 numbers.
“By comparing results from 2023, which was our first full, post-pandemic year of trading, with 2019, which was our most recent pre-pandemic year, we have an accurate and extremely positive picture of TravelManagers’ position as we enter 2024,” he explains.
“We are so proud of the achievements of our PTMs last year, and we’re excited to see how much further they will fly in 2024.”
While demand has soared in various places, Campbell highlights growth in round-the-world travel and domestic travel, which rose by 51 per cent and 43 per cent respectively as well as the luxury sector.
“Our partnership with Signature Travel Network, which is now entering its third year, has ensured that our people have the expertise and products to meet the growing demand from customers for exceptional luxury travel experiences in Australia and around the world.”
Elsewhere, cruise sales continue to surge within the group, thanks to an increasing number of new ships visiting local waters.
“Our PTMs are among the most experienced, high-achieving cruise consultants in Australasia,” TravelManagers Cruise Product Manager Lia Malone says.
“PTMs Tanya Barker and Jo Patton were recognised as top sellers for Virgin Voyages and were rewarded with an opportunity to meet with Sir Richard Branson prior to Resilient Lady’s inaugural cruise from Melbourne.
“In addition, three PTMs have been named as finalists for the CLIA Home-Based/Mobile Agent of the year (Australia), including Rose Febo, who is also a finalist for “Cruise Month Promotion of the Year – Australasia” and “Agency/Agent Cruise Promotion of the Year – Australia.”
Inside TravelManagers
Campbell says the network’s relationships with key suppliers have added to its recent success.
“We welcomed nine new preferred supplier partners into TravelManagers family in 2023, which ranged from adventure travel to luxury expedition cruising, and cover destinations such as the Mediterranean, Middle East, Asia and Africa,” he adds.
“We experienced an unprecedented level of demand from supplier partners to attend our 2023 annual National Conference in Christchurch, and we’re looking forward to welcoming them back to this year’s conference in Cairns.”
Campbell also hails the group’s head office team, who offer unrivalled support in every aspect of its business.
“From marketing and business development mentoring to product training seminars and exclusive famil opportunities, every aspect is tailored to align with our primary business objectives for 2024,” he states.
In January, TravelManagers announced it had re-signed to Signature’s Mystery Shopper program.
Read more about TravelManagers‘ record-breaking year in this wrap of its state meetings in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth at the end of 2023.
And check out our wrap of TravelManagers’ 14th annual National Conference, held at Te Pae Convention Centre in Ōtautahi Christchurch, Aotearoa, New Zealand.
