July

JTG to launch new brand called Helloworld

Jetset Travelworld to launch a new retail network called helloworld in a move that is likely to spell the end of its existing brands.

Don’t underestimate challenge, Turner warns JTG

Flight Centre boss Graham Turner described Jetset Travelworld’s launch of a new retail brand as “a brave move” but warned the company not to underestimate the task ahead.

Groups set to circle JTG agents

Agency groups began to circle Jetset Travelworld as they spied an opportunity to lure disaffected JTG members and grow their own membership.

Agents big winners in 2013 Salary Survey

Figures from the 2013 Travel Weekly Salary and Job Satisfaction survey revealed that the average travel agent’s salary jumped nearly $4000 on 2012 levels, rising from $42,500 to $46,500. 

OETG chief slams JTG protection plan

Jetset Travelworld was accused of undermining the credibility of AFTA and the transition from the Travel Compensation Fund after flagging the launch of its own consumer protection scheme.

JTG claims “overwhelming” backing for new strategy

Jetset Travelworld received “overwhelming” backing to unite its retail networks under a single brand as it finally released details of a 10-month business review.

AMEX in Helloworld branding talks

Jetset Travelworld entered talks with American Express over a deal that would enable agents to use the Amex blue box in conjunction with helloworld branding.

Travel Industry celebrates winners at NTIAs

Described as "the biggest and best yet", the 2013 National Travel Industry Awards took place at Sydney's Hordern Pavilion attended by more than 1200 guests.

Orbitz to power JTG online presence

The prohibitive cost and time associated in developing a digital platform in-house led to Jetset Travelworld striking a deal with Orbitz to power its new online offering.

Virgin Atlantic staff take to the runway

Over 180 specially selected Virgin Atlantic staff trialled the new Vivienne Westwood-designed uniform before the designs were finalised.

August

Agents wait on franchise agreement detail

Jetset Travelworld Group agents remained in the dark over several key aspects of the company’s new-look retail structure as management staged a series of “engagement meetings”.

Internal shake-up for JTG as Helloworld moves forward

Jetset Travelworld Group confirmed an extensive restructure of its executive team to support its new Helloworld model, with chief executive Rob Gurney warning more changes are on their way.

Air India strengthens Australian presence

Air India confirmed it will do “all that it takes” to get the Australian trade on board as the carrier signalled its intention to further expand its Australian operations after its 16 year absence.

Profits rise for JTG as Helloworld talks continue

Jetset Travelworld Group saw its pre-tax profis rise 88% to $27.1 million as it claimed the implementation of its new Helloworld brand is “progressing well”.

Prepare for the next revolution, says Gurney

A new breed of “empowered” consumer with access to extensive information is the major factor forcing the evolution of the traditional travel agent, according the JTG boss.

Joyce derides Etihad as “a bike”

Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce ridiculed Etihad Airways, describing the airline as “a bike” next to the “BMW” of its Middle Eastern rival, Emirates.

F-bomb flops for Geckos

The controversial F-bomb used in the repositioning of youth travel brand Gecko’s Adventures to be dropped, with its management team revealing the rebrand has yet to deliver.

Agents must innovate to survive, expert says

A lack of innovation by Australian travel agency firms could place the future of bricks and mortar stores at risk if they don’t act swiftly, an expert warned.

Qantas launches “Swiss Army” loyalty card

Qantas frequent flyer members to start receiving their “next generation” card with the ability to store foreign currency and withdraw cash at ATM’s worldwide among the new features.

Brisbane “hyperstore” next for Flight Centre

Brisbane’s Queen Street Mall to be the location of Flight Centre’s second hyperstore, set to become the retailer’s largest outlet in Australia when it launches in September.

September

Corporate growth prompts Flight Centre name tweak

Flight Centre to become Flight Centre Travel Group to better reflect the diversity of its offering as it grows beyond the mainstream leisure sector.

Lack of tourism minister shocks industry

The Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) to seek urgent talks with minister for trade and investment, Andrew Robb, after tourism was axed as a cabinet portfolio.

We’re no longer a travel agent, says FLT

Flight Centre revealed more details of its ambition to become known as a travel retailer, rather than a travel agent, as it claimed the two descriptions are “very different”.

JTG’s Helloworld brand goes corporate

The controversial new Helloworld brand to also be extended to Jetset Travelworld Group’s corporate operations with the launch of Helloworld for Business.

Agents a focus of Qantas’ new “Ausmerica” campaign

Qantas and Brand USA to jointly host a USA mega-famil in November as part of a newAusmerica campaign.

AAT Kings faces “massive” changes: Tollman

AAT Kings to undergo a “massive” transformation as the brand increasingly looks to bolster its appeal in Asia, The Travel Corporation’s global chief executive and president revealed.

Around the clock focus for Flight Centre

Flight Centre to offer its customers the opportunity to book around the clock with plans to further grow its after-hours sales force by more than 60% by the end of the year.

Virgin Australia claims inflight entertainment first

Virgin Australia passengers to now be able to stream inflight entertainment content to their own smartphones, tablets and laptops using its new wireless inflight entertainment system.

Copycat rivals not delivering on promises, says Trafalgar CEO

Group touring firms that promise authentic local experiences but do not deliver risk "tarring the sector with the same brush", according to Trafalgar chief executive Gavin Tollman.

AFTA gets “clean slate” to promote agent value

A lack of consumer awareness about the TCF will benefit the new accreditation scheme being developed by AFTA, according to its new marketing manager.