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
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!