We're no longer a travel agent, says FLT

We're no longer a travel agent, says FLT
By admin


Flight Centre has revealed more details of its ambition to become known as a travel retailer, rather than a travel agent, as it claimed the two descriptions are “very different”.

The retailer has internally dubbed the transformation as its “Killer Theme” and runs alongside seven strategic goals it believes will form the foundations for growth.

Sourcing exclusive product, developing its own specialist brands and modernising shops all form part of the drive, Flight Centre said.

Writing in its annual report, chief operating officer Melanie Waters-Ryan said the aim is to “transition from a travel agent to a world class retailer of travel products”.

“Being a world class retailer means we are the brand or business people identify with and go to. It is very different from being an agent, a middle man, a dealer for someone else’s product,” she said.

Among the objectives is to “make, combine and source” exclusive products rather than “simply selling suppliers’ products”.

It must be “our product, not just someone else’s”, Waters-Ryan said.

“FLT’s brands must have something unique that distinguishes them from suppliers and competitors, product that is different and interesting and not readily available elsewhere.”

Flight Centre said work is continuing to evolve its brands so they “truly specialise” with “regimented” systems in place to ensure each brand can illustrate how and why they are unique.

Flight Centre’s “blended model” concept – where consumers can switch between booking channels – also forms part of the blueprint, Waters-Ryan said.

Meanwhile, managing director Graham Turner said trading in July and August was ahead of last year as the company strives to grow profits by 8% to 12% this financial year.

He again played down the impact of the weakening dollar, claiming preliminary sales from its recent Discover the Americas expos were up on last year, an indication that the US was “maintaining popularity”.

“The company believes flights prices, overall affordability and consumer confidence, particularly job certainty, are more likely to influence Australia’s outbound market,” Turner said.

He added that acquisitions that can be vertically integrated may be pursued. Hotel management arrangements, joint ventures, destination management companies and tour operators were among the opportunities, Turner said.

The annual report also detailed director’s salaries and benefits. Turner collected a package worth $883,304 while Waters-Ryan picked up $2.24m.

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 […]