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NTIA18 WINNERS: People & parental leave win Flight Centre TG 'Best Travel Agency Group'

After some five years, the Flight Centre Travel Group has clawed its way back to the top and reclaimed its 'best of the best' title, and it's all thanks to the people, parental leave & clients.

After some five years, the Flight Centre Travel Group has clawed its way back to the top and reclaimed its ‘best of the best’ title, and it’s all thanks to the people, parental leave & clients.

In case you missed the big celebrations, the Flight Centre Travel Group was named ‘Best Agency Group’ at the 2018 National Travel Industry Awards (NTIAs).

CONGRATULATIONS ???

Haven’t seen the full list of winners yet? Click here.

Mel Waters-Ryan, Flight Centre’s Chief Operating Officer told KARRYON that this year’s success could be attributed to many reasons, including the group’s “strong customer value proposition”, staff members and significant enhancements for the people.

Among those enhancements is a new flexible work program that offers more work/life balance, a paid parental leave scheme and personal money coaches.

Read on for more of what she had to say:

 

What does being recognised by the industry in this way mean to you?

It’s a huge honour. The agency sector is very strong in Australia, so competition is always keen.

 

What are some little or big touches you an the team make to ensure you leave a positive impression on Agents/clients?

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Flight Centre loving at #NTIA2018

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We have a very strong customer value proposition. We try to take away pain points for customers and make it as easy as possible for them to transact and interact with our people. We also try to promote our expertise and specialisations. Flight Centre is for travellers and operated by travellers, so we aim to use our expertise to create amazing travel experiences.

 

What are some changes the brand has made over the last year that would have contributed to your success this year?

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It’s really been a case of continuous improvement. We constantly evolve our work to improve our offerings for our customers and for our people. There have been significant enhancements recently from a people perspective, with new flexible work programs introduced and a paid parental leave scheme.

 

What would you recommend to other brands hoping to win in future years?

Probably not our place to say, given that it had been a number of years since we last won!

 

How important is your organisation to the industry?

The Flight Centre Travel Group is a very important player, given its size and diversity. For suppliers, we have most demographics and sectors covered through our leisure, corporate and in-destination businesses and brands. A strong Flight Centre helps create a strong travel industry. We are also one of Australia’s largest employers, which means we make an important contribution to the overall economy.

 

What do you love about the industry?

It’s exciting. It’s constantly changing and the range of choice for travellers is constantly expanding.

 

What do you think the future holds for the travel industry?

We think it’s an exciting time. Travel has never been more affordable or accessible and that’s helping the market grow.

 

What’s your advice for people thinking of joining the industry?

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Do it. Surely it’s the best industry in the world. What could be better than helping people organise their dream holidays?

 

READ: Congratulations to all the NTIA winners – find out who they are!

READ: Chimu & Flight Centre announce a preferred partnership

READ: Flight Centre takes care of its new mums and dads with welcome parent perks

Join us in congratulating Flight Centre on a job well done. CONGRATULATIONS.