Signature Travel Network has added new preferred partnerships and members in a bid to expand its presence across the Australian market.
Key executives of the member-owned travel co-operative are currently in Australia with 70 key members from the US as part of the ‘Horizon Club’ reward trip, visiting Sydney and Melbourne.
During the visit, the network announced it has added new partnerships with Silversea and National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions, and several new agencies, including The Travel Agency and Mariner Travel in Melbourne, and Panache Cruises in North Sydney.
To date, it has more than 300 travel agencies with more than 500 retail locations in the US, Brazil, Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
Signature members include around 15,000 travel advisors worldwide who collectively generate more than US$11 billion in annual travel sales.
Signature Travel Network President Karryn Christopher says it’s seeing strong, sustained growth across Australia and New Zealand and “there’s no better way to accelerate that than by bringing our US members directly into the market”.
“What continues to stand out about Australia is the genuine warmth of the people. Everyone is welcoming, and that spirit is something our members are experiencing firsthand.
“This immersive destination experience alongside our preferred partners builds meaningful connections and strengthens the relationships that power our growing network.”
Mariner Travel CEO Aaron Watts says it has seen steady growth in its luxury travel and cruise business since the pandemic, and it felt now was the right time to partner with Signature to grow that.
“Signature’s benefits offered to cruising clients were the standout for us wanting to become a member of the network, as well as the strong portfolio of land suppliers that we can see a direct benefit from building strong relationships.
“The recognition from the suppliers upon check-in with a hotel or cruise will be a great way for your clients to start their trip, as well as the added benefits on offer.
“Being able to liaise directly with suppliers will ensure we can offer a bespoke experience for our clients that they will remember.”
During an event in Melbourne to celebrate the collection’s success, Carl Buerckner, founder of Platinum Travel Corporation, was credited with helping the network get a foot in the Australian market.
Buerckner, who has been in the travel industry for more than 50 years and has been with Signature for about 13 years (the first in Australia to join), says it’s been a “first-class investment”.
“We really did our homework, and it is a highly trustworthy company where people and partners are the most important aspect.
“The hotel program also has enormous depth, with around 30 per cent of benefit added on. That’s been a huge advantage to us, and it’s global, and the range of hotels is significant.
“But most importantly has been the professionalism and friendliness of all the senior staff. It’s like family now, to be honest.”
For more information, visit Signature Travel Network.
