Travellers Choice expands network with NSW, QLD, WA additions

Travellers Choice has hit the ground running in 2024 with independent travel agents in New South Wales, Western Australia and Queensland joining its network.

New member shareholder Allan Hopper founded his agency, Hopperound Cruise & Travel, in mid-2018. The company is located in the Sydney suburb of Chippendale but also employs the skills of two consultants in the Philippines and a fourth home-based team member with cruise expertise.

Hopper said his interest in Travellers Choice was initially piqued by the group’s ‘Choose Day’ marketing campaign.

“I pretty much decided to join as soon as I spoke to a Travellers Choice national business development manager,” Hopper said.

TC BDM Paula Moylan and Allan Hopper (Hopperound Cruise & Travel)

“It was immediately clear that Travellers Choice’s focus is solely on supporting independent business owners, rather than juggling a variety of different business models, such as franchisees and company-owned stores. That singular focus is important to me.

“I was also attracted to the marketing support, particularly Travellers Choice’s website solution, Site Builder, which provides my agency with a customised website supported by centrally loaded products.

“I really don’t have the time and resources to focus on sophisticated digital marketing, so it’s nice to know that a talented team is doing that for me. With that taken care of, I can fully focus on the rest of my business.”

The opportunity to enjoy an “extra level of support” is what also attracted Mike Wood, owner of Perth agency Peregrine Travel Centre WA.

The company – which operates from a retail space shared with long-time Travellers Choice members Carine Travel Bug and Tour de Force Travel – has a strong focus on adventure travel with Wood escorting international groups several times a year.

(L-R) TC BDM Tim Bolton and Mike Wood (Peregrine Travel Centre WA)

“The override payments and shareholder dividends that Travellers Choice members receive provide a great financial incentive,” Wood said. “The group’s preferred supplier arrangements also compliment my own and will now generate increased commissions.

“But the main thing for me was the breadth of accessible support. Having been out on my own for so long, I really appreciate the fact that I can now call on other members, a local business development manager, the marketing team and the entire Travellers Choice corporate office if I need a helping hand.

“It means I can now focus on securing a deposit from every customer sitting across from me. And that’s what it’s all about.”

(Featured Image: Allan Hopper from Hopperound Cruise & Travel – Supplied)

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Allan Hopper Hopperound Cruise & Travel Mike Wood Peregrine Travel Centre WA travellers choice