In what is game-changing news, Flight Centre Travel Group (FLT), Goldman Travel Corporation and the Spencer Group of Companies have today launched an innovative new joint venture (JV) called Link Travel Group which will focus on premium and business travel.
The high-profile Australian travel industry businesses have joined forces to create Link Travel Group, an invitation-only members’ group “dedicated to partnering with high-quality travel companies to provide an innovative and compelling offering via travel supply, technology and business operations.”
The group says that Link aims to work closely with carefully selected independent travel businesses that are highly regarded in the premium leisure and corporate travel sector in Australia.
Ownership of the joint venture will be divided between the three founding partners.
Goldman Travel joint managing director Anthony Goldman and Spencer Group of Companies founder Penny Spencer will sit on the JV’s board of directors, alongside FLT’s Danielle Galloway, who is the executive general manager of the company’s premium brands, and other yet-to-be-appointed directors.
Commenting on the announcement, executive general manager of the company’s premium brands Danielle Galloway said, “Link will create change in the Australian travel industry. Our combined goal is to shape the future of travel by uniting the industry’s progressive thinkers.
“As invitation-only partners, businesses will benefit by leveraging Australia’s largest travel agency group, while maintaining their own powerful brand identity and independence. We look forward to welcoming members to our exclusive Link Travel Group.
An independent general manager, Scott Darlow, has been appointed to oversee the business’s day-to-day operations.
Mr Darlow, a former Magellan Travel Group and Helloworld Business travel executive has more than 25 years of experience in the aviation and travel sectors.
An additional advisory board, consisting of inaugural members, will also be created.
How will it work?
FLT will initially hold a 60 per cent interest in the JV and will provide Link members in both the high-end leisure and corporate sectors with a range of services, including access to its leading product and distribution capabilities at a time when considerable change is taking place.
Speaking about the new partnership, Goldman Travel joint managing director Anthony Goldman said, “Link Travel Group represents the coming together of high-profile players within the travel industry to create a new way forward for travel companies around Australia.
“While we will link agencies to deliver compelling financial rewards, that is only the beginning of the journey. The future is about access to world-class technology, innovative business solutions and workflow improvement tools, which we will deliver.
“It’s also about working with recognised specialists in the industry to create better ways of doing business. Access to strong hotel and tour programs for the corporate and leisure markets, online booking tools for advisors and consumers, online travel advisory tools, advanced airline booking channels and relationship management programs are some of the instant benefits that are available to our members.
“We believe Link Travel Group will provide a compelling offering to its hand-picked members and their customers.”
Fellow founding partner and Spencer Group of Companies founder Penny Spencer said, “After a very challenging two years, the world is reopening and the travel industry overall – and the premium sector in particular – is starting to see meaningful signs of recovery.
“Our goal is to help travel businesses realise their commercial ambitions by offering highly attractive commercial returns, technology, support and strong leadership in the market.
“Membership of Link Travel Group will help our people capitalise on opportunities in the post-COVID world, while also helping them adapt to the changes that are taking place in our industry, particularly in terms of supply.”
“Link will create change in the Australian travel industry. Our combined goal is to shape the future of travel by uniting the industry’s progressive thinkers,” she said.
For more information, contact Scott Darlow, Link Travel Group General Manager at scott.darlow@linktravelgroup.com.au