You could say 2014/15 was the ‘year of change’ for TravelManagers. They redesigned their brand, moved to a new back office system (Tramada Next Gen) and adopted a new GDS system (Amadeus Connect).
But now that nearly 470 Personal Travel Managers’ profiles, systems have been updated and migrated and business is moving along nicely, what’s left for the company to do?
Well, according to CEO Joe Araullo and Executive General Manager Michael Gazal, they could just sit back and watch the dollars roll-in, but that’s not the TravelManagers way.
Priding the business in being a leader in the retail space, particularly in the home-based field, Gazal said while the last 12 months was all about making big changes the coming year will be about focusing on meeting targets and growing the business through quality not quantity.
Michael Gazal talks about TravelManagers’ ‘focus’ in 2015/16.
Speaking at the 2015 TravelManagers Conference in Adelaide over the weekend, Gazal said the company has set goals that will “shape the future of the business and ensure continued success”.
“This year’s conference theme is focus because we agreed that all the changes over the last 12 months have had a significant impact on consultants and the National Partnership Office.”
Michael Gazal, TravelManagers Executive General Manager
“It did stretch us, but we lead not follow, and together we’ve embraced vital business changes and now it’s time to focus on the future.”
So what has TravelManagers’ complete focus over the next year?
First a foremost, the company is offering its PTMs more support by extending its ticketing support hours to operate on Saturday – cue applause.
From 5 September, the office will be open from 11.00am (AEST) to 3.00pm.
TravelManagers’ National Partnership Office will work closer with agents & suppliers to offer unique products.
In regards to product and content, Araullo explained that the agency group wants to offer clients product that’s different from other agencies. This will be achieved by getting ideas from PTMs about ways to package new product.
“We want to work with agents to develop the best product for clients.”
Joe Araullo, House of Travel CEO
Growing the group’s network is also a priority, but it won’t be done just by adding numbers.
Gazal explained that the company has a vigorous selection process that ensures Personal Travel Managers are among the best and most experienced in the business.
There’ll also be more focus on marketing of the new brand, which will increase the brand’s credibility among consumers.
Oh and don’t forget technological focus. TravelManagers is trialing a new innovative app to keep clients engaged with agents before, during and after their trip.
Have you had a chance to check out pictures from the three-day conference?
Click here to tag you and your friends in images from day one. Or click here to spot the TM sporting stars at the Adelaide Oval.
We also have incredible images of PTMs getting handsy during charity day and amazing pics from the gala night.
