United Travel dodges Helloworld
Helloworld has confirmed that 36 United Travel agencies will not cross over in the New Zealand launch of the brand.
This departure would not materially affect earnings, Stella Travel Services CEO Greg Leighton said.
“Some franchisees have made the decision that helloworld is not for them and, while that is disappointing, we are confident that we have a broad network footprint and a strong platform from which to launch helloworld in New Zealand,” Leighton said.
The departing members will stay with the group until March 2016 and will see through supply and product agreements until November 2016.
“The helloworld brand offers an extremely strong value proposition to our New Zealand network and we will continue to work closely with our franchisees and independent agents on a case-by- case basis ahead of the 2016 launch to achieve an optimal outcome for all,” Leighton said.
The Helloworld retail brand is set to launch early next year and will consolidate Harvey World Travel and United Travel brands with ten retail stores purchased from Air New Zealand adding to the consolidation.
“The ever changing nature of our industry means it is increasingly difficult for agents to individually invest in technology and marketing in this rapidly growing digital retail environment where brand awareness is so important to the travel consumer,” Helloworld CEO Elizabeth Gaines said.
“Being part of a strong and large-scale network like helloworld delivers individual agents the many advantages of Helloworld’s ongoing investment in proprietary technology, training, product and profile which means our agents can focus on doing what they do best – sell travel and run successful businesses,” Gaines said.
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My gosh that Amy has it in for helloworld. 🙂
Seems the Kiwi’s have seen through all the corporate spin that comes from Helloworld and Air New Zealand can not believe their luck that they have off loaded their loss making agents to Helloworld. Oh dear, what a mess, the hole is getting deeper and deeper, how loud are those alarm bells ringing now.