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NTIA18 WINNERS: How Agents helped Qantas Holidays become 'Best Domestic Wholesaler'

Excellent rapport with Travel Agents may be one of many contributors to Qantas Holidays' recent success in the travel industry, but it's an important one that the wholesaler cherishes.

Excellent rapport with Travel Agents may be one of many contributors to Qantas Holidays’ recent success in the travel industry, but it’s an important one that the wholesaler cherishes.

That’s what one of the bosses over at Qantas Holidays told KARRYON after winning ‘Best Domestic Wholesaler’ at the 2018 National Travel Industry Awards (NTIAs).

CONGRATULATIONS ???

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

Cinzia Burnes, Head of Wholesale & Inbound for Qantas Holidays and associated brands, said in addition to a healthy relationship with trade, she sees staff specialisation as a great asset within the business and key to distinguish it from competitors.

She continued saying that despite the hysteria, she believes bricks and mortar Travel Agents are and always will be around, and even expects a resurgence of travellers utilising their expertise.

Read on for more of what she had to say:

 

What does being recognised by the industry in this way mean to the Qantas Holidays & Viva Holidays brands?

We are very proud and excited to have won Best Wholesaler Domestic Product for Qantas Holidays and Viva Holidays. It reconfirms our commitment to the domestic market and to ensuring that more and more Australians holiday at home.

 

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

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In the past few years, we have increased the number of brochures we produce for the domestic market, and I think the depth of our range and the quality of our product has undoubtedly contributed to this success.

 

What are some little or big touches your brand does to ensure you leave a positive impression on agents and their clients?

 karryon-qantas-holidays-team-ntia

The specialisation of our staff is a tremendous asset to our brand. We have a long-term, experienced team that have been selling Australia and our domestic products for many years and they have a unique and excellent rapport with our Agent network partners, and that is probably the recipe for our ongoing success.

 

How important is your organisation to the industry?

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Qantas Holidays has a long-established and highly trustworthy brand reputation within the industry. We have a solid financial background which is also important to and valued by the industry. And our teams of very experienced and committed professionals with their specialty product knowledge is also highly regarded.

 

What do you love about the industry?

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The variety of situations that we face every day, every week and every month and how it continues to evolve and change in the new era of technology – but still maintain extraordinary importance on personal relationships.

 

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

Qantas Holidays RaceAround HK

Qantas Holidays treats Agents to a Race Around Hong Kong.

We are, of course, great believers in bricks and mortar Travel Agents which, despite many predictions that they would be history by now, are seeing a resurgence of interest and popularity. People are busy, and they are willing to engage and rely on expert professionals.

 

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

helloworld-karryon

Cinzia Burnes (Head of Helloworld Travel Wholesale) & Andrew Burnes (CEO Helloworld Travel Group)

My advice would be that it is essential to see this industry as a career path, rather than a filler waiting for something else to come along and with that in mind, it can be a highly exciting and enriching career.

 

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

READ: Will you join the ‘Race Around 2018’ in Southern California

READ: Wholesaler expands into Italy with Perfetto brochure!

Join us in congratulating Qantas Holidays/Viva Holidays on a job well done. CONGRATULATIONS.