Maestro Group unveils new partnerships

Maestro Group unveils new partnerships
By admin


The Maestro Group, which allows travel agents to cut out the wholesaler and buy nett rate product direct from overseas suppliers, has launched a second phase of the business with what its founders described as “significant enhancements”.

Agent members of Maestro will have access to destination management companies and suppliers in a further 15 countries, taking the number to 43, while a deal has been struck with a property marketing firm giving retailers the ability to book 7,000 villa and apartments.

In addition, Maestro has negotiated a partnership with European hotel chain Relais du Silence, while it has also signed an agreement with TDS Arena distribution and booking system which allows suppliers and agents to work “live”, make bookings and make international payments at wholesale rates.

The group now has 70,000 available hotels on its books.

Joint founder Simon Hills, who, as a former chairman of the Council of Australian Tour Operators, courted controversy when he and former Kirra Holidays managing director John Morley launched Maestro in late 2012, said its 21 members have reported bottom line results “beyond their expectation”.

“We have effectively eliminated one link in the supply chain so our member agents have control over pricing which is delivering improved yield,” he said.

It also enables agents to remain competitive with consumers buying direct online, he added.

Hills said annual membership of the villa and marketing company, which usually costs 420 Euros, is included in Maestro’s $500 membership fee.

“Villas and apartments are always problematic for agents, but with Maestro there is a guaranteed commission level of a minimum 10%,” he said.

Members can also design e-brochures for clients on the properties.

In a further development, consumers will be able to access TDS Arena inventory with bookings tracked back to their travel agent.

Hills predicted Maestro membership would grow to 80 within the next 12 months.

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