Speaking at the network’s 10th Anniversary Conference in Kuala Lumpur over the weekend, a number of members acknowledged challenges around the Middle East but say the overall outlook remains positive.
Andy Richards, managing director of Maher Tours (one of GTN’s newest members) says clients have become more resilient. ‘They know there may be issues but they don’t want to live under a rock. That works for agents because we can deal with any implications.’
Richards says Maher’s core focus remains on escorted tours but the company is also designing complex FIT itineraries and offering white labelled product for travel agents.
‘We can do all the work behind the scenes and customise things for agents’ clients. We have a knowledgeable team and we work with small family orientated DMCs who offer personalised experiences.’
Cath McLeod, director Wanderlust Travel Experts, says the group is focused on opportunities and poised for further growth – some of which will happen next month.
‘A lot of our work is around automation, for example we have automated social media posts. That’s big for brokers because they can concentrate on selling.’
She says WTE, which now has 63 brokers, has been impacted by the Middle East like most others in the industry. ‘However, we find the clientele for brokers is super loyal.’
McLeod says GTN has been ‘hugely important’ for WTE. ‘We wouldn’t be where we are without them. I believe their fares and ticketing support is best in market.’
Mike Southcombe, GM of Travel Advocates, says the group of about 60 brokers is still seeing growth despite challenges facing the industry.
‘Technology is the big theme for us in 2026 and 2027. We are embracing AI and have Travel Advocates Brain, our own internal ChatGPT service launching in the next month. We are also piloting TripBuilder, the itinerary generating system, and rolling that out over the next couple of months.’
Ian Peddie of Aspire Travel Group says AI is amplifying the need for agents to focus on specific clients with specific plans and ask them to pay for a bespoke service.
‘I think agents will need real knowledge and experience and will become extremely specialised in the travel industry of the future. It may sound touchy feely but it isn’t really.’
MH notes major GTN growth
Malysia Airlines recognised significant growth across the GTN community during the network’s 2026 conference in Kuala Lumpur and awarded six top selling agencies – Indo Kiwi, Flight Experts, Gill Travels, Travel Corner, Hestia Travel and Sehion Travel.
Country manager Karl Bradford says GTN figures have grown double digits year-on-year with significantly increased sales in the front end of the plane.
‘This is a strong indicator that perceptions of Malaysia Airlines as a premium carrier are continuing to strengthen in the NZ market.’
He notes that Malysia Airlines has recorded a 91% on-time performance year-on-year across its entire network, and the carrier’s cabin crew are in the top 10 according to Skytrax.
Bradford says the top selling MH destination for GTN agents is Delhi while South East Asia in general is growing strongly.
The airline also has two new destinations soon to launch – Busan in South Korea and Kunming in China.
Denise Holmes, Travel Partners; Hannah Taylor, Armstrong Collective; Shar Jones, Wanderlust Travel Experts
At the GTN 10th Anniversary dinner sponsored by Fiji Airways… Ian Peddie, Aspire Travel Group; with Robynne Prosser and Aimee Banks, both Operatunity Travel
Michelle Meharry, GTN; Andy Richards, Maher Tours; Yvonne Faleuka, GTN during the supplier booth sessions on Sunday
Mike Southcombe, Travel Advocates; Janet Tucker, Dreamscape Travel/Travel Advocates; Lisa Linn, Stuba
Karl Bradford, Malaysia Airlines; Rebecca Farmiloe, Richard Stapel, GTN; Ryan Woodford-Kelf, MH
