Helloworld Travel has hosted its first international post-pandemic Owner Managers Conference (OMC) AND its first conference incorporating its entire network across Australia and New Zealand.
Held in Auckland, New Zealand, this year’s Helloworld event centred on “The Rise of the Trusted Advisor” – and with business now booming for the travel agency sector, indeed thanks to a high level of trust among consumers in travel agents, the theme could not have been more appropriate.
Emceed by mentalist Anthony Laye, the event attracted over 500 guests including Helloworld Travel branded agents, Helloworld Travel associates, MTG, Magellan Travel and Helloworld Business Travel delegates, partners and representatives.
Top takeaways
Each year, Helloworld’s OMC reveals some fascinating insights. And this year was no different.
Significantly, delegates were asked to embrace AI and view it as a useful tool, but to remember it would not replace the personal service of a travel advisor.
Guests also heard how Helloworld was helping address the human resource shortage currently plaguing the travel industry with the Helloworld Training Academy. However, owners and managers should continue to invest in their own teams’ skills and product knowledge.
They were also told how the best advisors were able to listen and customise solutions for clients, whilst upholding values and maintaining customer confidence.
The conference comprised a combination of plenary presentations, networking lounges and also breakout sessions, with keynote speakers including:
- Luke Sayers, Founder and Executive Chairman of Sayers Group & President, Carlton Football Club
- Adele Labine-Romain, National Travel Hospitality and Leisure Sector Leader, Deloitte Access Economics
- Leanne Geraghty, Chief Customer and Sales Officer, Air New Zealand
- Leanne Harwood, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, JAPAC (Japan, Australasia, Pacific), InterContinental Hotels
OMC’s next venue
Among the other event highlights was a welcome reception at the Auckland War Memorial Museum and also an OMC Gala Dinner held at the Viaduct Events Centre.
In his closing address, Helloworld Travel Limited Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Andrew Burnes AO told guests Sydney would host next year’s OMC.
Major sponsors of this year’s event were Tourism New Zealand, Air New Zealand and Tātaki Auckland Unlimited.
Meanwhile, earlier this week, Helloworld Travel Group announced it would purchase a minority stake in high-profile, retail travel brand Phil Hoffmann Travel (PHT).
