Helloworld Travel Limited (HLO) has released its audited full-year results for the year ending 30 June 2025, reporting a dip in turnover and revenue but a small rise in profit, led by strong performances in its wholesale, inbound and cruise businesses.
In its annual report, the travel group revealed total transactional value (TTV) dropped 8.6 per cent year-on-year to $3.8 billion, while revenue was down 8.7 per cent to $192.8 million. Underlying EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation) fell by around 8.5 per cent to $60.6 million.
Encouragingly, net profit after tax lifted 4.1 per cent to $33.2 million, while the group’s revenue margin nudged up to 4.9 per cent, slightly higher than last year’s 4.8 per cent.
Wholesale wins, retail wobbles
Helloworld said performance across its different divisions varied in FY25, with wholesale and inbound businesses enjoying strong growth.
At the same time, the group’s agency and ticketing businesses contracted, which the company linked to tough economic conditions in Australia and New Zealand, agency closures, lower average airfares and a traveller shift from long-haul to shorter-haul trips.
The company highlighted bright spots, including continued expansion in inbound markets and growth in wholesale cruise and luxury product sales. In addition, one of Helloworld’s flagship wholesale brands, VIVA Holidays was recognised at the National Travel Industry Awards (NTIA) for ‘Most Outstanding Wholesaler’ two years in a row, and is nominated again for 2025.
“Our wholesale and inbound businesses experienced strong growth in FY25; however, our agency and ticketing businesses declined due to the challenging economic conditions in Australia and New Zealand, agency closures and transfers, a decline in average airfares across the period, and a change in the destination mix toward short and mid haul travel,” HLO CEO Andrew Burnes AO said.
15 new stores
Beyond its trading results, Helloworld made several structural changes and investments in FY25.
In April, it completed the acquisition of Barlow Travel Group (BTG), a Wellington-based corporate and events travel provider trading as BCD Travel in New Zealand. The company also disposed of its Entertainment Logistix business.
On the retail front, Helloworld maintained a 96 per cent re-sign rate across its branded and associate networks, with 98 per cent of members within the YOU Travel and Cruise and First Travel Group Independent networks recommitting.
Fifteen new stores are expected to open in FY26 as part of the group’s expansion plans.
HLO’s Loyalty Share Program for agents gained traction across Australia and New Zealand, while the Helloworld Travel Academy grew to more than 12,000 participants since launching in 2022.
Cruise, luxe and inbound
Cruise remained a solid growth area for the group, with wholesale sales up 27 per cent year-on-year. This included strong gains in the expedition and luxury sectors.
Helloworld also unveiled a new premium brand, Signature Collection by Cruiseco, alongside a relaunch of complete cruise-and-air packages.
On the luxury travel front, Helloworld launched VIVA Gold in December 2024 to cater to high-end travellers, complementing its established wholesale offering.
Meanwhile, inbound performance grew 4 per cent year-on-year, supported by favourable exchange rates and increased airline capacity. Travellers were also opting for higher-value experiences, lifting average trip spend.
Tech and innovation drive
According to the group, technology investment remained a consistent theme across FY25.
The company continued to roll out digital tools, including artificial intelligence solutions, to support agency operations and boost efficiency.
Meanwhile, enhancements to the SmartSuite of ticketing tools, including SmartNDC and SmartRefunds, reinforced Helloworld’s position in ticketing innovation.
At the same time, HLO’s Air Tickets’ SmartRefunds platform was recognised with an NTIA award for ‘Innovation in Travel Services’.
Elsewhere, ReadyRooms, the group’s wholesale hotel booking platform, recorded 110 per cent year-on-year growth. The portal now features more than 300,000 properties worldwide and has become a key tool for agents designing competitive packages.
“We have continued to invest in our business, growing our technology options and expanding our wholesale product range while enhancing our core capabilities around ticketing and air consolidation,” Mr Burnes remarked.
Cash and direction
At 30 June 2025, Helloworld held $79.4 million in cash compared with $161.9 million a year earlier. HLO says the lower figure reflects extra BSP payments, higher tax payments, and the company’s investment in Webjet Group Limited shares, valued at $53.5 million at year-end.
Looking ahead, the company said it expects forward bookings for the remainder of 2025 and into 2026 to remain strong, with air bookings for FY26 departures already up 11 per cent year-on-year.
Continued cost control, investment in people and infrastructure, and a push into digital innovation are expected to position Helloworld for sustainable profit growth.
“Across Helloworld’s agency and broker networks there are over 10,000 travel advisors, the biggest group of travel professionals in Australia and New Zealand,” Burnes said.
“Looking ahead we see strong forward bookings over the remainder of the 2025 calendar year and well into 2026. The business has a strong balance sheet, no external bank borrowings and strong liquidity that positions the company for long-term sustainable growth.”
