Say Hello To Travel

helloworld has opportunities for people with a passion

We’ve gone from famine to feast in a very short time,’ says Fergus Clark, Retail Business Manager of helloworld New Zealand. ‘Once the borders re-opened, everything happened fast and there is now an increasing demand for travel from people all over New Zealand. That means we have key locations available now for new franchisees.

‘Helloworld Travel was launched in 2016, and a large number of existing travel stores joined us to benefit from our large-scale purchasing power and extensive marketing,’ Fergus says. ‘A unified presence through TV, radio, print, social and digital channels, and direct customer eDM’s keeps us top of mind with customers. We’re the exclusive travel group for Flybuys, allowing Flybuys card holders both to earn points with their travel purchase and redeem their points for travel, and the exclusive travel redemption point for American Express Membership Rewards.

‘All our franchisees receive professional support including marketing, staff training, business mentoring and inspirational events.’

Personal service supported by technology

Fergus explains, ‘We have always invested heavily in technology as a group because that has been proven to drive our business and get the best for our franchisees and, ultimately, our customers. Our customer insights allow us to understand individual customer needs, then develop products, tools and services to meet them.

‘At the same time, one of the things that people learned during the pandemic was the value of personal service when it comes to booking long-awaited trips. Our website is rich in content with all the latest products for hotels, package holidays, cruises and airfares, and it’s designed to facilitate customer enquiries directly to the stores. In addition, each store has its own personalised micro-site with messaging from the store owner to their community and followers.’

That focus on their local market is key. ‘We encourage franchisees to be active within schools, sporting clubs, business associations, etc, and provide the sort of services that help their helloworld franchise become the recognised travel business in their town.’

The best decision I could have made

In New Plymouth, franchisee Bev Ellice has followed the formula with great success. ‘Helloworld Travel has made itself the brand of choice for a varied demographic, from the young solo traveller to families looking to make everlasting memories with their children, to retirees who like to indulge in a bit of luxury,’ she says. ‘The decision to join the brand four years ago is the best decision I could have made as a travel business owner.’

Leigh Feast, the helloworld franchisee in Masterton, agrees. ‘Helloworld is a great group of resilient, caring people who go the extra mile for their customers, resulting in a large percentage of repeat business and referrals.’

A better business

Helloworld is seeking people with a passion for the travel industry to join their network all around the country, especially in metropolitan areas such as Auckland and Christchurch, and regional towns in Canterbury, Marlborough, Whanganui and Northland. ‘We also have a fully-equipped outlet in the Auckland CBD ready to go, if you get in quick,’ Fergus invites.

‘These opportunities will especially appeal to someone who has been an employee in the industry and now has the desire to control their own destiny and profitability,’ says Fergus. ‘Our franchises also include multistore owners and investor owners who have a fondness for travel and put a manager in charge of their store.

‘Our business model is unique in the travel industry in that franchisees own 100 percent of their business: there is no shareholder or other commitment apart from the franchise agreement, and as franchisor we provide all the network and support material you need to run a successful travel agency. The result is better business, and better returns on your investment.’

There is no initial franchise joining fee, but new franchisees will need to cover all set-up costs, and a minimum equity of $40,000 to enable membership of the Travel Agent Association of New Zealand. ‘All up, your investment should be in the vicinity of $100,000, including estimated fit-out costs,’ suggests Fergus.

‘For anyone who loves the travel business, this is the chance to get in at the start as the industry takes off again. Contact us to find out more about helloworld.’

Advertiser Info

helloworld Travel

www.helloworld.co.nz

Contact Fergus Clark

P 0-9-307 1871

fergus.clark@helloworld.co.nz

Keen to own your own business? We’ll help you get started! Travel is booming and we’re looking for great people to join our Helloworld Travel franchise. This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of an award winning travel network and bring Helloworld into your local community.