Global travel platform, Nexus DMC, has secured an exclusive new partnership with luxury global travel distributor, Travel Answers (TAG), building on the rapid growth of the region’s newest, tech-led inbound tour operator.
Travel Answers is already one of the largest providers of USA business into Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands and aims to double total turnover in the next two years. TAG is also the preferred APAC provider for most major US travel agents’ consortia.
The alliance opens a new, streamlined process for Travel Answers agents to book even the most complicated itineraries with unprecedented ease and efficiency utilising Nexus DMC’s revolutionary software, including a dedicated application of AI.
The investment in the TAG group follows recent news Nexus DMC has opened a new global headquarters in Melbourne as well as the recent establishment of offices in New Zealand and Sydney and an on-ground team on the Gold Coast.
Founded more than 30 years ago by Kirk Demeter, the Travel Answers Group is based in Seattle and includes brands such as Down Under Answers, Travel2, Islands in the Sun, Africa Answers and Asia Answers.
“This exciting new alliance has seen our team busily contracting suppliers in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific as we work with Kirk and the TAG Group,” Sahil Nijhawan, CEO of Nexus DMC AU/NZ, said.
“It has opened up North American inbound business to complement the growing number of Indian visitors we are handling in Australia now.
“With our ‘One World, One DMC’ approach, Travel Answers can tap into our extensive network of on-ground support in almost 30 countries and enjoy simplified processes and support that allows them to focus on their core business of creating travel experiences.”
Kirk Demeter, Founder and CEO of TAG, said the new partnership decision was driven by a commitment to future-proofing the business and enhancing its support for Travel Advisors.
“We are thrilled with this transformative strategic alliance with Nexus DMC. This collaboration represents a significant evolution in our operational model and is a strategic step toward leveraging Nexus DMC’s innovative technology to amplify and scale our operations.
“Together with Nexus DMC, we are launching a cutting-edge booking platform designed to deliver a seamless, 24/7 booking experience across all our destinations. This innovation will enhance service delivery, increase efficiency, and support long-term growth for both our business and our partners,” he said.
Nexus DMC’s move into the Pacific follows a US$50 million in Series A investment secured by its parent company, the ORN Group. The strategic investment was made by a prominent Indian technology group, giving the company an initial valuation of US $500m.
ORN co-founder and CEO Vinay Gupta, who led the acquisition, said TAG would give the group a strong presence in North America.
“Our smart technology will allow us to help the TAG Group grow its business to Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, simplifying the agent booking process and giving their customers the complete on ground experience,” Gupta said.
“Through our network, we will work with TAG to grow its suite of products and experiences, helping to increase their Africa, Asia and European programs by building on the distribution network Kirk and his team have spent so many years developing.”
Feature image: Sahil Nijhawan, CEO of Nexus DMC AU/NZ.
