When international borders re-open, Travellers Choice will hit the ground running with 95% of its network intact, an expanding suite of exclusive technology and enhanced deals with key service providers, according to presentations delivered at the company’s 2021 Annual General Meeting.
Speaking to members during the virtual event last week, Managing Director Christian Hunter made it clear the award-winning company – which is wholly owned by its member shareholders – had not been resting on its laurels during the pandemic.
He told agents that during the 2020/21 fiscal year, Travellers Choice’s marketing team had worked with domestic tourism offices and preferred partners to garner more than $130,000 in
marketing campaign support. In addition, more than 30 preferred supplier promotions were rolled out through digital channels and support provided to more than 470 local area marketing initiatives.
“That is a remarkable achievement, especially given how closely every travel entity guarded funds in 2020/21,” Hunter said.
Chairman Trent Bartlett told members the group had also been busy adding new marketing and lead generation features to its revolutionary online B2B and B2C booking platform
TC One, as well as developing no-cost legal resources and new communication channels, including a weekly webinar series that notched up 44 episodes in 2020/21.
Hunter said the company’s endeavours had undoubtedly contributed to an impressive member retention rate in 2021 of 95%.
“It's also why 100% of participants in this year’s Member Survey reported being satisfied with their membership,” he told the AGM. “Most importantly, these activities have ensured that our Company approaches the post-lockdown era with new skills and more efficient processes, positioning us to rapidly recapture lost momentum.”
While noting that the gradual easing of international travel restrictions was encouraging, Hunter warned Travellers Choice members – who received a 100% discount on membership fees for 2020/21 – that the trading environment would remain challenging, with limited income potential until at least mid-2022.
While uncertainty around issues such as border restrictions and vaccination, testing and quarantine requirements, had also added a new layer of complexity to international travel, Hunter claimed they could create an opportunity for consultants.
“By providing customers with the latest and most relevant information, travel consultants can further enhance the value they have always provided and potentially reclaim business that has in the past gravitated to online travel agents.”
