Jetset Travel is re-badging its travel centres network in a partnership with US-based online travel company Orbitz Worldwide.
“Existing members and franchisees will have the opportunity to adopt helloworld to create an extensive network of over 1000 travel agents,” Jetset said today in a statement to the stock exchange.
“This new retail network will be supported by a long-term strategic partnership to be entered into with US-based online travel company Orbitz Worldwide Inc which will see the Jetset Travelworld Group (JTG) utilising Orbitz proven global technology.”
Jetset CEO Rob Gurney said the change built on its previous merger with Stella Travel Services.
“The consolidation of JTG’s marketing spend to focus on helloworld will provide franchisees with a greater share of voice through digital channels, on TV and radio, in print and in partnership with our suppliers,” Gurney said.
“This will build on the platform that has been established since the merger of Jetset Travelworld Limited and Stella Travel Services in September 2010 which, to date, has achieved cost reductions of over $50 million.”
“With more than 40 years of travel industry experience behind our agencies, the goal of helloworld is to offer travellers unparalleled convenience, industry-leading service and the best-value, tailor-made travel experiences.
“We look forward to the journey ahead. The new brand will provide an opportunity to leverage our agents’ vast experience.”
The company said existing and new franchisees and members will be invited to join helloworld.
Stay informed, daily
“They will have the opportunity to work under a choice of three retail models, with applicability across leisure and corporate agents,” the company statement said.
“The new models are: the helloworld fully branded model; the helloworld associate membership model; or the affiliate network.
“In addition, existing brands will continue to operate according to their franchise and membership agreements until the end of the agreement term, if preferred.”
The majority of the transformation is expected to be complete within 18 months.
Supported by a consumer campaign, it is expected that the first helloworld stores and the online platform will launch during the second quarter of the financial year ending June 30, 2014 (FY14). The store fit out program will continue throughout FY14.
Want to see more stories from InDaily SA in your Google search results?
- Click here to set InDaily SA as a preferred source.
- Tick the box next to "InDaily SA". That's it.
