The Webjet brand is set to spread into Africa with the online travel agent’s first international franchise agreement, freshly inked with South African travel firm BidTravel.
The deal, valid for a period of “not less than 10 years,” covers the Webjet brand, booking engine and associated technology licences and gives BidTravel rights to cover sub Saharan Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands.
In return, Webjet will receive an initial franchise fee and ongoing payments with a guaranteed minimum.
Managing director John Guscic said the firm was confident the new association would “significantly propel Webjet’s brand presence” in those territories.
“The arrangement means that Webjet can leverage its brand and technology investment without ongoing trading risk,” he said.
Meanwhile, BidTravel managing director Allan Lunz said the firm had reached the agreement with Webjet following a global search for a technology platform underpinned by a “strong consumer brand” to take it beyond the traditional forms of distribution prevalent in the region.
“We consider that these developments will propel BidTravel to the leading edge of internet travel distribution in our markets,” Lunz said.
