How this Gold Coast travel agency beat the OTAs
Gold Cost travel company, Ignite Travel Group, has been touted as one of the agencies leading the way for modern-day businesses, tackling the ever-present threat of the OTAs.
Per a News Corp story, Ignite Travel moved away from the rising trend of OTAs, and employed over 150 staff in their brave business venture.
In response to the growing technology, Managing Director Randall Deer’s solution was to evolve to better cater to contemporary traveller needs.
“There is definitely still a role for travel agents for people who are time poor or don’t want to leave anything to chance,” Deer told News Corp.
“So we said: ‘Let’s take the old model and evolve it to meet today’s era’.”
Deer added that, sure, anyone can just go on the net and search for hotels or flights, but, as he pointed out, “Does everyone want to?”
Ignite Travel attribute a large part of their ‘renaissance’ to its ‘holidays in a box’ strategy they developed, when it became apparent that travellers were keen on the ‘ready-made holiday’, prepped and ready to go.
“We had to find a gap in the market and we didn’t want to compete with anyone,” he told News Corp.
“So we started selling ‘holidays in a box’ where everything is included, when no one else in travel was doing that.
“Some people were offering flights and hotel packages, but there was nothing out there doing it like we do.”
And it’s clearly paying off; the company served up holidays to over 200,000 Aussies in 2016 alone, a testament to the fact that traditional travel agencies ain’t going anywhere.
Ignite’s businesses include the My Holiday Centre range, which features destinations like Hawaii, Fiji and Bali, as well as its high-end offshoot, GET LUXE.
OTAs have gotten a pretty bad rap from the traditional travel industry, in particular due to the threat of it stealing business.
But it doesn’t always have to be a war, as we’ve seen recently.
Travellers Choice signed a partnership with TripADeal, and Amadeus teamed up with Skiddoo for cheaper flight deals.
Additionally, MTA’s own Managing Director, Roy Merricks, told Travel Weekly it was absolutely possible for OTAs and travel agents to co-exist.
But that’s in the face of plenty of other opposition from the trade to OTAs and their technology. Many say it’s about the personalisation – or lack of – that comes with booking on a faceless digital platform. Agents have their stories to tell, their relationships with their clients, and much more at their disposal to serve customers in unique ways.
The brick-and-mortar store has also had an injection of life lately as well. We’ve seen some of the best Aussie agencies around showing us how they draw customers in, not to mention globally, the agencies pulling their weight with a few tricks up their sleeve, like Insta pop-up stores, and selling travel via sense of smell.
For Deer, who prior to starting Ignite Travel was Chief Financial Officer at Mantra Group, the Global Financial Crisis played a big part in thinking that package deals and holidays were the way to recover and build a customer base.
“I think this is the biggest travel sector in the country,” he told News Corp.
“Holidays are so important to people these days and it’s one of the things they look forward to in life the most and we want to make it easier for people.”
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
ignite travelLatest News
FAMIL: Agents explore the delights of Mauritius on 7-day Famil
MW Tours, alongside Air Mauritius and the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, hosted a famil tour from March 13th to 20th, seamlessly blending the allure of Mauritius’ diverse attractions with the island’s rich cultural tapestry, breathtaking landscapes, and unmatched hospitality. (Lead Image: Danny Lao, Atlas Travel; Navy Wang, MW Tours; Angela Jenkins, Travel Associates Toronto; Lisa […]
Hamad International Airport recognised as the world’s best Airport at the 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards
Hamad International Airport (DOH) has secured its position as the “World’s Best Airport” by the prestigious 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards held at the Passenger Terminal Expo 2024 in Frankfurt, Germany. The airport also clinched the title of ‘World’s Best Airport Shopping’ for the second time in a row and “Best Airport in the Middle […]
Saudi Arabia highlights tourism investment opportunities at International Hospitality Investment Forum
The Saudi Ministry of Tourism is currently taking a prominent stage at the International Hospitality Investment Forum (IHIF), presenting a unique opportunity for global investors to dive into the thriving tourism landscape of the Kingdom. With the spotlight on the Tourism Investment Enablers Program (TIEP), that was recently announced, Saudi Arabia is aggressively pushing towards […]
“Rampant” – Aussies warned as dengue fever cases spike in Bali
Australians traveling to Bali have been warned to be vigilant after a spike in cases of dengue fever – a painful flu-like illness spread by mosquitos. Australian health authorities have reportedly said there has been an uptick in cases of Aussies returning from the region. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) symptoms of the […]
TTC Tour Brand reveals slew of deals across operators including Trafalgar and Contiki
Don’t miss out! TTC Tour Brand has revealed a treasure chest of deals across some of its top brands. (Lead Image: Contiki) Clients can save up to 15 per cent on select 2024 worldwide tours with Trafalgar, Insight Vacations and Costsaver. Whether it’s a last-minute break, a big Euro holiday or to explore a new […]
Fiji Airways partners with Porter Airlines in US growth bid
A new partnership has been announced by Fiji Airways to increase its footprint in North America, and make it easier for visitors to reach Fijian paradise. Fiji’s National Airline has signed an interline agreement with Toronto-based Porter Airlines, which provides services in Canada and the United States of America. The agreement means visitors will only […]
Flight Centre launches CruiseHQ – a cruise marketplace exclusively for agents
Flight Centre Travel Group’s B2B cruise wholesale division, CruiseHQ, is making waves with the launch of its cutting-edge booking platform, designed exclusively for travel advisors. (Leda Image: CruiseHQ team) The CruiseHQ platform seamlessly connects travel agencies with exclusive cruise holidays, offering access to a diverse portfolio of global cruise, air, and land partners. Travel advisors […]
Feeling festive? Wendy Wu tours launches Christmas collection
Now is the time to plan your overseas Christmas escape, with Wendy Wu Tours launching its Christmas Collection Offer for travel in 2024 and 2025. Travellers can save up to $600 per person on selected 2024/25 overseas tours when they book an eligible Christmas tour between 18 April-12 June 2024. Wendy Wu Tours’ Christmas holiday packages […]
OPINION: In a world of screens, we crave experience
I remember the first time I ever booked myself into a retreat. It was in the middle of Covid when my life consisted of waking up, looking at a screen, and going back to bed. I was working in sales at the time. The role required a lot of engagement with people, however the bulk […]
Sun Princess: High-end dining and world class entertainment awaits
In case you weren’t already aware, Princess Cruises most extravagant ship yet, the Sun Princess is currently sailing her maiden season through the Mediterranean, and this week, we’re onboard to experience all she has to offer! The Sun Princess is the first Princess Cruise ship in the new ‘Sphere Class’ and the first in the fleet to […]
YouGov: 2 in 5 Aussies would pay more for a sustainable hotel
If you want to be REALLY sustainable you can go camping. You just might lose the will to live.
“Can planes swim?” – Planes become boats as Dubai Airport is savaged by severe storm
Unfortunately, "can planes swim?" is a real life question and not an opener to a really bad joke...
Explora journeys reveals bespoke outdoor furniture designed by Matteo Nunziati
This is making your plastic table and chairs look really bad now, isn't it?
Bangkok Airways targets growth with renewed Sabre deal
Two stories abut Sabre's growth in one week and its only Wednesday! Watchout world.
PR agency Example wins pitch for InterContinental Sydney
We also went in for the contract but they said that a 'Be Our Guest'- themed TikTok was unoriginal! The cheek.
Norwegian Cruise Line reveals culinary experience aboard Norwegian Aqua
Once again, this TW journalist REALLY regrets writing this before getting lunch.
Signature Queensland hosts luxury tourism event
Known for its tropical beaches and unique wildlife, Queensland also offers luxury.
Capella Sydney recognised in prestigious Travel + Leisure’s 2024 ‘it list’ of best new hotels
You know that 'it girl' at school who everyone wanted to hang out with? Capella is the hotel version of that.
Rex launches 72-hour fare sale with NO school holiday blackout so you can take your kids (if you want to)
Sadly, leaving your children at home whilst you go on holiday is generally frowned upon.
Adventure World offers chance to connect with “heart and soul” of the US
I mean who hasn't dreamed of a road trip around the US?! Go with Adventure World and you're less likely to get lost.
Fiji’s family-owned luxury resort Likuliku Lagoon launches its own app
We were relieved to find out that having a "concierge in your pocket" referred to an app on your phone.
Hawaii: The US’ laid-back front door for Australians
If you needed another sign that you should definitely head to Hawaii - this is it!
Sabre targets Asia Pacific growth with latest hire
Call the Avengers! Sabre continues its bid for world domination with latest hire.
Air New Zealand signs its largest EVER deal for sustainable aviation fuel
Air New Zealand makes huge step towards sustainable travel. We bet it recycles its rubbish properly too.
IHG Hotels & Resorts continues regional growth with Sunshine Coast Holiday Inn
This Holiday Inn looks considerably flashier than some of the ones we have stayed at in our time.
Budget carrier Scoot welcomes first of 9 E190-E2 aircrafts
Here at TW we would like to offer Embraer E190-E2 a warm welcome! It's not easy being the first of the fleet.
Singapore Airlines grows group passenger traffic by 13.9% for March
This is one of the few situations where an increase in traffic is a good thing.
Number of Aussies going on cruises beats pre-pandemic levels
To be honest, if being stuck inside for two years doesn't give you the travel bug, then nothing will.
Vietjet slashes prices on flights across Vietnam, India & Australia
You can now fly to Vietnam for less money than a night out in Sydney or Melbourne. Time to reconsider the budget.
The Australian Hotels Association (WA) names accommodation excellence award winners
Think blowing up the airbed for your mate qualifies as accommodation excellence? Think again.
Abercrombie & Kent launches Peruvian riverboat tour
If you think being left at a port is scary? Imagine being stuck in the Amazon.
Club Med Bali reveals last-minute group travel deal
If you haven't frolicked across a beach in Bali with your colleagues have you even lived?
Regent Seven Seas Cruises grows sales team across Australia & New Zealand
It is only Monday and Regent Seven Seas Cruises is already announcing hires. Great stuff!
Out of the Ordinary Outback offers caravanners and campers a free night
It's the perfect getaway if your neighbours are starting to drive you a little insane.
Luxury Escapes reveals third signature series tour with Miguel Maestre
We would recommend reading this after lunch, otherwise you risk slobbering at your desk.
Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way celebrates 10th birthday
We were initially surprised that a coastal route could be just 10 years old, but they mean the actual bit that you walk on.