Helloworld CEO wins over agents: Helloworld says

Helloworld CEO wins over agents: Helloworld says

Agents have welcomed the direction of Helloworld’s new CEO Andrew Burnes, commenting that his informative and straight to the point vision of the future inspires confidence, the agency group reveals.

His clear message for Helloworld agents – “our focus is working in partnership with you”.

Burnes attended State Meetings of the Branded and Associate networks across Australia last week and the feedback from the 500+ attendees has been overwhelmingly positive.

Sue Todorovski from Imperial Travel Services was one of many agents that was positive about the new CEO.  “It’s clear that although only 6 weeks into the job, Andrew is on top of a lot of the challenges the company faces,” Todorovski said.

“Andrew is very inspirational and has great vision for the future. He offers strong leadership and understanding of the agency network. Looking forward to what he is bringing to Helloworld and especially the things to come,” said Leonie Spencer from Company Lifestyle Travel in Ballarat

Burnes stays focused on Helloworlds’ obligation to its franchisee members, to deliver business through the door, on the phone and on-line and for agents to participate in the commercial outcomes of these channels in exactly the same way.

To do this, Burnes outlined changes to drive more business to agents would include a re-alignment of the Helloworld.com.au on-line portal, the development of more exclusive Helloworld product, the evolution of in-store technologies to drive productivity and margin, greater support for the retail distribution model and a change in the marketing mix to focus on increasing enquiry and conversion rates for agencies and supplier partners.

He flagged the importance of retail distribution and of making sure consumers understand it and suppliers continue to support it.

“We are going to fight for the travel agent model and everything you bring to the table,” Burnes said.

“I think enough ground has been given up to these on-line travel algorithms, as I like to call them, and we need to highlight the professionalism, advice, outcomes and service agents deliver to their customers.”

Head of the Branded Retail Network, Julie Primmer, and Head of Corporate, Associate and Affiliate Networks, David Padman provided updates to agencies as well as key suppliers including Etihad, Qantas Holidays/viva! Holidays and Cover-More.

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

    Latest comments
    1. Hooray, at last the group may have a saviour and some stability at the top. Ex Harvey World, Travelworld Jetset etc shops deserve it after the mess over recent years. Next step is to sack that dreary advertising company and give them life!

agents Andrew Burnes Burnes helloworld travel agency

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