Helloworld Travel Limited (HLO) will issue 2.5 million shares, valued at over $4.5 million, to its agents through its latest franchisee share loyalty program.
In an ASX statement, Helloworld said the shares will be allocated to members of the branded, associate and Alatus networks in Australia and New Zealand by the end of October 2024. According to HLO, the initiative rewards agents for their ongoing commitment to the brand.
Helloworld Travel Limited CEO and Managing Director Andrew Burnes AO expressed his satisfaction with the recent re-signing process, which saw over 320 agents commit to new 3-5 year terms, and thanked them for their loyalty.
“This reaffirms Helloworld’s position as the leading franchise network in Australia and New Zealand. The franchise members are a part of our broader group which also includes our buying group networks and our broker networks on both sides of the Tasman,” he remarked.
“We’re seeing airfares returning to what some might call ‘normal’, but the good news is this is driving increased demand, and consequently, ticket volumes over the last few months are up.
“The other significant shift is that sales of our preferred non-air products are also up anywhere between 5 per cent and 25 per cent with people taking the savings on their airfares and putting this into longer stays, bigger cabins, upgraded hotels and other upgraded services, which is a very positive outcome for the industry more broadly.”
In August, Helloworld reported significant growth in FY24, driven mostly by a focus on profitable revenue streams, cost control and the acquisition of Express Travel Group (ETG).
