Increasing channel optionality and cementing a reputation as holiday experts with a ‘flights plus’ strategy were highlighted in a business update by Flight Centre Brands global managing director Andrew Stark this week.

Going out as an independent agent can at first seem daunting – however with support teams and systems to help and guide new members this can be the start of an empowering and rewarding move, says Jason Buckley, general manager of FCTG Independent.

Buckley says now is a great time for travel professionals in general.

The New Zealand cruise industry has seen a youthful transformation with more younger travellers booking to go on cruise ship holidays, according to Flight Centre NZ figures.

The company says cruise ship bookings for 18-30-year-olds have dramatically increased, more than doubling in just under a year.

Flight Centre NZ is releasing a Captain’s Package to help Kiwis avoid travel chaos and have a trouble-free holiday.

Managing director, David Coombes says the travel rebound since borders reopened has been overwhelming. 

Travel has bounced back quicker than expected in New Zealand, says Flight Centre Travel Group’s New Zealand managing director, David Coombes, with the company already trading at over 60% of what they were selling pre-Covid, but with only 25% of the staff. 

Corporate Traveller New Zealand reports it is already seeing a positive trajectory for 2022, with international booking volumes doubling within weeks of the government’s decision to scrap self-isolation for returning citizens.

The quick re-bound indicates a strong desire for in-person meetings and gatherings for successful business development, customer retention and networking.

Flight Centre New Zealand reports that recruitment is remains very much the focus for the company at the moment as enquiries increase almost weekly.

‘It has been a wonderful month in New Zealand as we open up the world to those who want to explore again, and our consultants are busy booking trips all around the globe,’ says  Heidi Walker, general manager of leisure brands.

Flight Centre New Zealand has  seen renewed interest in its independents models since the New Zealand government’s latest border announcements,.

‘Almost all of this is from experienced industry staff exploring what potential options are now available,’ says Jason Buckley, GM independent models with the group.

The Board of Airline Representatives (BARNZ) says self-isolation requirements need to go as soon as possible, or some airlines will cut New Zealand from their routes for a third summer in a row.

‘The airlines have told me they want to fly here, but they need to know New Zealand is open to business. Leisure and business travellers will not come if they have to self-isolate for days – it’s a market killer,’ says Justin Tighe-Umbers, executive director of BARNZ.

Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG), has launched a new website that puts departed alumni front in line for roles when travel opens up again.    

Having lost many of its people during the Covid-19 pandemic through stand down and redundancy, the travel retailer is determined to stay connected to those reluctantly let go.   

The new website, Flighties Forever, will help the company continue to do that - allowing its people (past and present) to mark their place in the company’s history books, plus receive job alerts, access to company news and professional development tips.