Agents losing ground to online: study

Agents losing ground to online: study
By admin


Harvey World Travel, Jetset and Travelworld lost market share to online retailers last year as Flight Centre retained its market leading position.

Research from Roy Morgan showed that almost one in 10 people used Flight Centre to book leisure travel in the 12 months to December, with Wotif and Webjet in second and third spot with 7% and 4% respectively.

But other traditional agencies struggled as the online sector continued to rise, according to the research firm.

HWT captured 2.5% of the market, with Jetset 1.1%.

"Over the years Flight Centre has maintained its position as Australia's leading travel agent," said Jane Ianniello, Roy Morgan Research international director of tourism, travel and leisure. "The agency has a very strong brand presence with 64% of Australians having heard of Flight Centre before and 39% recently seeing or hearing some advertising for the brand.

"Other bricks and mortar agents such as Harvey World Travel, Jetset and Travelworld haven't fared so well and have gradually lost market share to online agencies such as Wotif.com and Webjet. With the increasing penetration of home computers and iPhones, the trend towards using the Internet to book overseas holidays is likely to continue."

The top 10 travel agents used for leisure travel in 2012: Flight Centre 9.8%, Wotif 6.9%, Webjet 4%, HWT 2.5%, Expedia 2.3%, Lastminute 2.1%, Jetstar Holidays 2.1%, Qantas Holidays 1.7%, Escape Travel 1.2%, Jetset 1.1%, Blue Holidays 1%, other 10.7%.

Latest News

  • Destinations
  • Tour Operators

Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours advises final call for Anzac Day 2025

Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours has advised that the final call for Anzac Day 2025 is on 31 January 2025 with pre-registration also available for Anzac Day 2026. Travellers are encouraged to book their spot for either the 10-day Anzac Day on the Western Front departing on 19 April from Paris or the 8-day Anzac Day […]

  • Destinations
  • Hotels

Two destinations to visit in Mexico for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching and here are two romantic getaway destinations in Mexico to make any traveller’s day with their special someone even better. Casona Roma Norte, Mexico City This Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to visit Mexico City, as the streets come alive with roses, heartfelt gifts, and the city basks in […]

  • Aviation
  • Luxury

Emirates debuts new uniform for Premium and VIP Passenger Services team

Emirates has debuted a new uniform designed for its Premium & VIP Passengers Services team, who are responsible for the seamless transfer of VIPs through Dubai International Airport. The new uniform has echoes of the iconic Emirates cabin crew look, however, exclusively represents Emirates’ elite unit that caters to high profile customers. A new look […]

  • Appointments
  • News

BEIA appoints Rachel Cook as its new chair

The Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) Approved Professional Conference Organisers (PCO) Group has appointed Rachel Cook as its new chair. Cook is the business director of Conference Innovators (CI) and since joining CI 20 years ago has been instrumental in the company’s continuing growth and success. She plays a pivotal role in building and supporting […]

  • Hotels

Gaya Island Resort unveils its Wildlife Wonders package

Gaya Island Resort has unveiled its Wildlife Wonders package, a meticulously crafted 4-day, 3-night adventure designed for nature enthusiasts eager to discover the island’s rich biodiversity. The resort is nestled on the tranquil shores of Pulau Gaya, the largest island in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park just off Kota Kinabalu. Its location makes it the […]

  • News

New Caledonia is open and ready for business as Smartraveller downgrades warning

Eight months after the civil unrest, the South Pacific destination of New Caledonia has reopened and is ready to welcome Australian tourists. Smartraveller has recently downgraded its travel advice to the destination following the removal of the nation’s curfew on the 2nd of December. The island is currently rated as amber – ‘exercise a high […]

  • Business Travel
  • Hotels

Atura Wellington unveils newly refurbished rooms in the New Zealand hotel

Atura Wellington, the former Thorndon Hotel by Rydges, has unveiled its newly refurbished rooms in the New Zealand hotel. The rooms were completed following a full refurbishment of all public spaces as part of a broader redevelopment plan. All 108 guest rooms have now been upgraded. The hotel is in the historic Thorndon neighbourhood and […]