As it continues its march back to full recovery, Flight Centre will re-open 35 of its stores across Australia in the coming months.
In the midst of the Covid pandemic in 2020, Flight Centre was forced to close a large number of shopfronts. But as travel demand surges, so too does the need for face-to-face service, says Flight Centre Australia General Manager Brent Novak. And that’s particularly the case in regional areas.
“While we continue to enhance our online booking experience for customers, we know how vital it is to have real people in real buildings providing expert customer service with a human touch. For many people, that’s their number one reason for coming back to us,” Novak said.
“At a time when regional and suburban communities in Australia are witnessing services such as banking and telecommunications closing branches and becoming available only online, Flight Centre will continue to provide customers with the choice.
“Rather than sacrificing bricks-and-mortar for broader online and call centre services, we’re committed to enhancing all our customer channels because we recognise no two customers are the same in terms of how they like to book travel.
“Our people are our greatest asset – and our stores are where we get to showcase our travel expertise and form lasting relationships with customers.”
Recruitment drive continues
With dozens of new stores set to open soon, Novak said Flight Centre would be on the hunt for new staff from around the country.
“We’re still on the look-out for team leaders and travel consultants looking for a new challenge. It’s a very exciting time to be working in travel,” he remarked.
Flight Centre will operate at 338 locations nationwide after the 35 stores reopen. The group will look to fill 179 travel consultant and 25 store team leader roles following the recruitment of 1,039 consultants and leaders over the past 12 months.
Two new Brisbane stores opened Monday
Among the stores to reopen are three Brisbane agencies, two of which – Cleveland and Bulimba – returned on 31 October. The Greenslopes store will reopen on 14 November.
“We’ve had customers knocking on our doors or leaving notes for our consultants, all to say how excited they are to see us back,” Flight Centre SEQ Area Leader Rindala Jensen said.
“If the pandemic taught us anything, it’s the importance of having an expert in your corner. There are so many horror stories of travellers left stranded either during their journey or not even being able to leave.”
