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2 November, 2020

Former agency boss among founders of new travel company offering unique broker model

Proving that the current state of the travel industry is not all doom and gloom, a new company has emerged that promises a unique proposition for agents.

Founded by former QBT and Travel Counsellors managing director David Hughes and the Buerckner family (Platinum Travel Corp), Entourage Travel Group offers individual corporate or leisure agents and agencies a “fully-flexible, tiered broker model complete with a generous share of commission, a mix of overrides and an opportunity for a stake in the business”.

According to the company, partners will benefit from access to Platinum Travel Corp’s curated suite of travel technology and administrative support on an as-needs basis, while reserving the right to work whenever, and from wherever, it best suits their business and client base.

Entourage is offering four different tiers: a basic Connected model giving partners a cost-effective opportunity to stay engaged with their clients and industry whilst travel restrictions remain in place; all the way through to an Enterprise solution for those seeking a full suite of travel management systems and solutions.

“Working across global and broker businesses in recent years, I became aware of a number of different travel business models that weren’t necessarily available in this market, as they just weren’t the right fit,” Hughes said.

“Well, COVID-19 has changed all that, and what is needed now is a business that is for the times, not because of the times.

“In partnering with the Platinum team, who are themselves innovators in corporate and MICE travel, we are excited to be able to bring this to the Australian travel landscape at just the right time.

“You can’t just hang a sign outside your door overnight and say you are a broker network. Brokers have unique requirements in terms of support, systems and technology, and only experience can deliver that the way agents and agencies need.”

Andrew Buerckner said Entourage is all about being a “lean but robust, family-oriented broker model that we want to act as a home for agents’ expertise and experience – where our partners share in the financial and cultural success of the business and where they know how much they matter”.

“We’re the first to admit Entourage won’t be for everyone: membership will ultimately be exclusive, due to the obvious limitations of shareholder numbers,” he explained.

“But we know it will be just the right home for top industry leaders – for agents and agencies who want to work with a collective of like-minded, ambitious professionals who share their optimism in an ever-changing travel landscape.”

Entourage partners will benefit from a local alliance with Magellan Travel, UNIGLOBE’s global buying power and network, Signature Travel’s global VIP hotel program, and Platinum Travel Corp’s technology, resources, reputation and long-term relationships with airline, cruise and land partners.

Interested agents and agencies are invited to contact Hughes or Buerckner for a confidential discussion. More specific details on the offering to partners are available upon request.

Featured image caption: Entourage Travel Group directors Carl Buerckner, Sarah Szubanski, Andrew Buerckner and David Hughes

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Andrew Buerckner broker model Carl Buerckner david hughes Entourage Travel Group Platinum Travel Corp Sarah Szubanski travel agents travel counsellors