Helloworld corporates tackle 2m SME sector

Helloworld for Business members have been urged to foster relationships with Australia’s burgeoning SME sector, predicted to become the “bread and butter” for agents and TMC’s due to untapped “big opportunities”, according to the group.
Head of Associate, Corporate and Affiliate Networks David Padman told 120 delegates attending the Helloworld for Business Summit in Singapore the group had a “renewed attitude about the future”, which moves away from “evolution to revolution” – also this year’s summit theme.
“We’ve had our own revolution by having the courage to change the shape of our own industry,” Padman said, adding “a strong Hellowold is good for you, and good for the industry”.
Helloworld for business remains as Australia’s largest network of premium independently owned corporate travel agents and travel management companies, currently featuring 73 members. An additional 9 members – a mix from Showgroup and BCD Travel – joined the group in the past 12 months, with Padman telling Travel Weekly there was a “strong pipeline” for further growth, and that its “value proposition was sparking interest” with external companies.
Delegates heard part of the group’s proposition was to “help win partnerships” by way of lead generation and client opportunities in assisting members to engage with Australia’s 2 million-plus SMEs, which was “ripe for the picking” according to Padman.
“We’ve researched what it is that SME want. They want end to end service, less stress, customer service excellence and to be thought of as people. They want to deal with local, likeminded individuals. Small business is your bread and butter – no-one knows this space like you.”
Padman said reviews to benchmark the group’s value proposition against competitors over the past six months revealed “no one else is investing in your future the way we are. Helloworld for business is more than just a buying group. We start where the others stop. We deliver commercial advantage, network and business service support and profile. We are and will remain the right home for you.”
Padman told members while competition remained strife, it “keeps you healthy,” and technology was the “next big driver of change”, which lead to the group investing in a partnership with Serko, which will commence later this year and include white label access for agency members through a newly developed platform for the group to drive leads back to members, including tapping into Serko’s alliances with XERO and Microsoft.
In addition, Helloworld for Business has also signed a global partnership with GlobalStar, which operates in 80 countries with 3,500 locations to provide reporting and lead generation and a new Lead Generation Platform from QBT to drive business back to agents and TMCs.
“We designed this brand to be an endorser brand, it’s where we start. It’s designed to be a collective but we never brought it to life,” Padman said.
“Now we are bringing it to life to represent you and to give you a profile and marketplace. Helloworld for Business timing is right now, there’s great traction with the Helloworld brand.”
A new Helloworld for Business website www.hwfb.com.au was also launched at the Summit and will eventually feature an agent finder as well as a newly designed personalised agent brochure, branded specifically for each member.
Expanded high-end leisure corporate product through initiatives utilising Sunlover and Qantas Holidays brands were also on the radar, after discovering it made up nearly 20 to 30% of what corporate members sold.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
corporate david padman Helloworld for Business serkoLatest News

TravHost launches expert hosting service to transform industry famils
TravHost offers a pioneering service bridging the gap between media professionals, travel agents and tourism organisations, addressing the demand for exceptional famil hosts. Founded by seasoned travel media professionals Fiona Harper and Carolyne Jasinski, TravHost is poised to revolutionise the way tourism organisations and travel companies approach famils. With decades of experience in tourism and […]

Book big and bag a spot of the TTC Tour Brand’s Top Achievers’ Famil
TTC Tour Brands’ Top Achievers Famil incentive is back, rewarding top-selling agents with the chance to embark on an unforgettable trip to a destination that remains a secret – for now. Agents who have sold any Luxury Gold, Insight Vacations, Trafalgar, Costsaver and Contiki, from 1 December 2024 to 14 March 2025, go into the […]

New Zealand International Convention Centre to open in February 2026
The New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) has announced it is opening its doors to New Zealand and world conferences and events in February 2026. The long-awaited NZICC is set to transform New Zealand’s conference and events industry, boosting visitation and the wider economy with its world-class facilities. Located in the heart of Auckland’s CBD, […]

AmaWaterways invites AU/NZ travel trade to An Evening with AmaWaterways events
AmaWaterways has announced the dates of its upcoming An Evening with AmaWaterways events for travel advisors, just over a year after it entered the Australian and New Zealand markets. Dedicated to travel advisors, the events will be held in six cities and will be hosted by AmaWaterways’ regional sales managers, plus feature a presentation from […]

Mooloolaba cruise season boosts Sunshine Coast tourism and trade
Mooloolaba is set to welcome a series of cruise ships through February and March 2025, significantly boosting local businesses and tourism to the Sunshine Coast. Their arrival is expected to create a vibrant atmosphere and provide a substantial economic uplift to the region. Viking Sky kicks off the season on Sunday 8 February, with 930 […]

Little Pete Brewing opens first of its kind open-air bar
Little Pete Brewing has opened a new open-air bar at 543 Step Rd, Langhorne Creek, a must-visit South Australia destination for a drink with a view. The first-of-its-kind open-air bar sits on 8ha, surrounded by vineyards and paddocks, with the Bremer River flowing nearby and framed by majestic ancient river red gums. “We always felt […]

CENTREPIECE is set to make a splash at AIME 2025
CENTREPIECE is set to make a splash at AIME 2025 with a one-of-a-kind activation that showcases their world-class event capabilities to inspire event planners and decision-makers. CENTREPIECE is located in the heart of Melbourne & Olympic Parks, Victoria’s epicentre for live sports and entertainment and home to world-renowned venues including Rod Laver Arena, AAMI Park, […]

NYC Tourism + Conventions announces two exciting new events
NYC Tourism + Conventions has announced ‘NYC Off-Broadway Week 2025’ and ‘Value Family Activities’ events lined up for this year. NYC Off-Broadway Week 2025 2-for-1 ticket sales for this event have begun with this season’s program featuring 29 Off-Broadway performances, including 18 new participants. The twice-yearly program runs from 17 February through 9 March with […]

Engine delays plaguing Air New Zealand as carrier set to suspend Incheon-Auckland route
We never liked being at the back of the queue, and this is a big one to jump.

Australia’s aviation future takes flight: An exclusive with Simon Westaway
As you walk through your next Australian airport, from ABX to YWYY, remember this face, he may be there.

Destination Vancouver brings World Chef Exchange event to Sydney
We are sure that with Mark Best in the kitchen, there was more on offer than poutine and fries.

Jeju wins bid to host 2028 Asia-Pacific Microscopy Conference
The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) has successfully secured the 14th Asia-Pacific Microscopy Conference (APMC14) for Jeju in November 2028. This was achieved in partnership with the Korean Society of Microscopy, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, Jeju Convention Bureau, and Jeju International Convention Center. Korea was selected as the final host after strong competition at the 13th […]

Envoyage-hosted National Travel Group joins Luxury Travel Collection
As this market continues to grow, make sure you get along to our own Travel Weekly Luxury Roadshow.

Airports Council International labels Newcastle Airport most sustainable in Australia
Newcastle says it will be the green gateway into Australia, maybe the football team needs some new colours to match.

Vintage Rail Journeys’ unique Bathurst Race’N Rail packages now on sale
You might not get there as fast but you are guaranteed to save on fuel on the way there.

Patricia Piccinini’s skywhales return to tour Australia
These freaked us out when we first saw them, almost as bad as the contents of the fridge after we returned from leave.

David Fraser returns to Accor as VP of operations for Sofitel Pacific
We hope Monsieur Fraser is catching up on his French as he will no doubt be dealing with HQ.

A foodie adventure at Disneyland Resort in California: Snack Attack on the Go
As far as levels of cuteness go, Disneyland Resort's Mickey beignets take the cake or should that be churros.

Minor Hotels unveils Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur, its first property in India
Treated like a Raj for a few hundred a night, we like the sound of that. Just don't mention the cricket.

Four Seasons announces new luxury resort and private residences in UAE
These resorts are built on reclaimed land made with sand, fortunately there is plenty of it.

Oceania Cruises sets new standard for onboard dining: one chef for every 10 guests
Oceania Cruises, renowned for The Finest Cuisine at Sea, has set a new standard for onboard dining with an exquisite new menu evolution in The Grand Dining Room. Launching on its newest 1,200-guest ship, Allura, in July 2025, the reimagined menus introduce over 270 brand-new recipes, from curated Signature Eggs Benedict breakfast selection to a chic French […]

MSC Cruises announces MSC World Asia Webinar
Let's hope the words 'You are on mute' will never be uttered ever again.

Legendary Italian hotel, Il San Pietro di Positano, opens new clothing and accessories boutique
Anyone planning a trip to Italy this northern summer should leave room in their Louis Vuitton luggage.

AAT Kings’ NT boost with air credits
AAT Kings really dominates travel in the Top End and news like this only adds fuel to the fire.

Camino Women and Laos’ Khiri Travel announce new mountain trail for Australian women
Responsible tourism starts with one foot in front of the other. This trek sounds like there are a few more steps.

Thousands of dollars worth of prizes on offer through ATIA’s ‘Rockstar Renewal’ campaign
Of course it's nice to be called a rockstar, but we'd like to be a part of the superstar surge personally.

Sally Miles joins Linkd Tourism’s trade team
Having lived in the US and Japan, Sally will no doubt thrive in this role!

Maximise your Emirates journey with complimentary hotel stays in Dubai
Any freebie is a good freebie, but a free hotel in Dubai has to be pretty high on the list.

Celebrity Xcel unveils ‘The Bazaar’ set to transforms onboard experiences
No word if Xcel will make its way to Australian shores - we'd expect koala cuddling and kangaroo boxing.

CT Partners expands focus on business meetings and events
AIME is looking like it will be bigger than Ben Hur... it was a movie? Charlton Heston? Never mind.

South Africa’s The Royal Portfolio appoints Nigel Pace as executive head of sales to ultra-luxury portfolio
First job on the list is to visit all the luxury properties in the portfolio. Next, he'll be perusing all the menus...

Radisson Hotel Group concludes record-breaking year
40,000 keys is a lot of keys. We wonder if there is a master key to all of these.

Countdown underway for 2025 Visit USA Expo in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne
The two-week countdown is on, but we've been counting down for nearly 50 weeks since the last one!

WA Labor commits $500,000 to a study for future Broome cruise passenger terminal
Given the emerging popularity of cruising in this part of the world, another stop is welcome.

Maximum Occupancy New Zealand conference to return to Auckland in March
If we were to take a stab in the dark we'd say this one's all about getting those rooms full... Just a guess!

NRMA’s Turtle Sands Nature resort officially opens
For some of us, sometimes there is a bit too much nature. Try explaining to the little ones why mum buries the kids.