Express Travel Group have just wrapped up their ninth annual Independent Travel Group and italktravel Forum in the thriving metropolis of Shanghai!
CEO Tom Manwaring opened proceedings with an update on the growth and success of Express Travel Group over the last 12 months.
With the addition of 32 new members to the group, they have also seen an increase in pax numbers and airline revenue of 11 per cent as well as double-digit TTV growth across hotels, cruise and touring.
The consistent underlying message from presenters across the conference was of the importance and adaptation to change and the investment in technology to remain at the forefront of our industry.
Manwaring pointed out that even with the developments in technology, AI and now AAI, technology will never replace people.
“Computers can’t be intuitive, they can know everything about me, expect what I’m going to do next and that’s why agents are here to stay,” he said.
Next up Jonathan Nelson GM Sales & Marketing took to the stage to share some big news around the groups new online merchant system – Express Pay.
“This is an industry first and exclusive to Express Travel Group. We are the only group to provide members with an ACS approved online merchant payment system” he said.
Alisha Dopper, Agency Support Centre Manager then announced the launch of the new Express Rewards loyalty program ‘Elevate’ as well as the revamp of the extensive new Express Academy program, which shows ETGs ongoing commitment to advanced training methods for members.
Saturday nights much-anticipated gala awards night recognised the best of the best with italktravel & cruise Reservoir (VIC) and Bicton Travel (WA) awarded Agency of the Year for italktravel and ITG respectively.
The night was capped off with the announcement of next years new conference format and the bringing together of all ETG brands (Select Travel Group, Independent Travel Group and Italktravel) for one annual bigger and better conference to be held in Bangkok from 15-18 August 2019.
