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NTIA18 WINNERS: Clients love the point of difference of 'Best Non-Branded Agency Group', HWBT

Setting itself apart from the competition has contributed significantly to Helloworld Business Travel's success over the years, particularly this week when it was awarded in a big way by being named...

Setting itself apart from the competition has contributed significantly to Helloworld Business Travel’s success over the years, particularly this week when it was awarded in a big way by being named…

The ‘Best Non-Branded Travel Agency Group’ at the 2018 National Travel Industry Awards (NTIAs).

CONGRATULATIONS ???

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

David Padman, Helloworld Travel Limited’s Head of Corporate, Associate & Affiliate Networks, told KARRYON that the group has intentionally positioned itself differently in the market and it has paid off because member Agents “look great in front of clients”.

He continued, saying that point of the difference is consultants can give their clients the “best of both worlds” – the local know-how of a small business and the global reach of a larger organisation.

Read on for more of what he had to say:

 

What does being recognised by the industry in this way mean to the Helloworld Business Travel group?

Being recognised by the industry in this way is an incredible honour and one we are all very proud of.  The award reflects and appreciates the hard work done by both the Helloworld Business Travel (HWBT) team and the HWBT Member corporate Agents and TMCs. It does validate the need in the industry for a dedicated value-added corporate network for independent corporate Travel Agents and TMCs.

 

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

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Our HWBT Agent’s strong re-commitment to the network with close to 100% re-signing for a 2nd term. The global reach facilitated by essential alliance partnerships with the likes of Global Star and American Express as well as the introduction of new incentive models for our Agents.

Our strong corporate Technology partnerships with providers like Serko and out strong preferred supplier partner support.

Enhancements and upgrades to key business tools and solutions for our Agents including corporate hotel programs, business insights, client engagement tools and collateral and our corporate lead generation program.

The most pleasing outcome from the last year has been the overall success of our members whether it’s been winning new corporate accounts, retaining existing business or a record number of NTIA nominations… It’s been a healthy year all round for our HWBT Member’s and winning this award recognises that.

 

What are some little or big touches your group of Agents make to ensure you leave a positive impression on clients?

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We work hard to ensure the HWBT Agents value proposition allows our member Agents to look great in front of their clients and to be positioned differently in the market.

Our member Agents can provide their client with the best of both worlds; they can give the local know how you get from a small business and owner as well as global reach and buying power from being connected to a larger organisation.

 

How important is your organisation to the industry?

Competition to transact the travel spending of corporate Australia, particularly in the SME space is extremely strong. We firmly believe there is a real need in the industry for a dedicated corporate network specialising in the SME area.

The HWBT network provides dedicated corporate support and corporate solutions for its members which in turn allows them to grow their businesses successfully and to stand out with their corporate clients across these markets. By providing an extensive and value-added corporate focused proposition, we have been able to deliver excellent results for our members and our organisation.

 

What do you love about the industry?

#ntia2018 so many many fab friends

A post shared by LJ Loch (@ljloch) on

Simply, the people that drive the industry day in day out!

You can feel the energy in the room on nights like the NTIA – It’s a fun industry to be part of, and it’s the people that make it fun. Whether you’re a supplier, travel product provider, a travel agency or TMC or working in one of the networks… we are all trying to make the industry better and stronger, and that’s what excites me the most.

 

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

It is an exciting time for the industry, and you could easily argue it’s never been a better time to be in it. More people are travelling than ever; more people have passports, the price of airfares has never been lower, there are a plethora of choices for the customer, e.g. airlines, cruises, touring companies and in the corporate space an incredibly vibrant domestic corporate travel market.

I am always very bullish about the future of the travel industry however while there is plenty to be positive about, we all need to work harder and smarter to ensure that we are adding value to remain relevant to the traveller in both the corporate and leisure space.

While technology will play a massive role in travel businesses going forward, it’s important to remember that technology is merely the enabler to better personal interaction and that’s what makes us stand out now and will do in the future – getting very good at that will be critical to our future success as an industry.

 

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

Get on board we are looking for more Travel Agents!

 

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

READ: Helloworld Agents experience South Africa

READ: 9 Helloworld Travel Agents relax in 2 Club Med resorts

Join us in congratulating Helloworld Business Travel on a job well done. CONGRATULATIONS.