Helloworld has united its Concorde Agency Network and Affiliate Network to launch My Travel Group, the largest network of independent affiliated travel agents in Australia.
According to the travel group’s CEO, Andrew Burnes, the process of combining the two offerings started around one year ago through consultants and work with agents in the two networks.
He described My Travel Group as an evolution of the existing relationship with agents that sets out to provide a network that “works for independent travel agents”.
“The team has met with our agents to ask what they wanted in an independent buying group network.”
Andrew Burnes, Helloworld CEO
Benefits of being part of the My Travel Group include receiving the advantage of Helloworld’s combined scale, purchasing power and supplier deals plus the company’s support in growing their businesses.
Additionally, agents will have access to tailored networking and conference events plus “the flexibility of a range of tailored opt-ins including technology and training to meet their individual business needs”, according to David Padman, Head of Corporate, Associate and Affiliate Networks.
“From our dedicated My Travel Group portal which provides access to all SmartFares, SmartTickets and all our Preferred Partner information and flyers to our My Travel Group Advisory Board, this is about Helloworld boosting the support we provide to our independent agency network.”
David Padman, Helloworld Head of Corporate, Associate and Affiliate Networks
“My Travel Group is an affiliation brand which supports our agents’ individual brands and identities. It allows our agents to be recognised as part of a network, especially by our suppliers.”
Mr Padman emphasised that the My Travel Group brand was not a retail agency brand and that members of the group would retain their own branding.
