Luxury travel brand Travel Associates is continuing its expansion in New Zealand, while rewarding travel advisors in the process.

Michael Cory-Toussaint has been a rising star in the brand, being fundamental in the growth of Travel Associates’ store in Howick.

Travel Associates is reporting an increase in clients’ average spending, with some outlaying six-figure-sums on dream holidays.

For August, average spending is up 47% year on year, with bookings made up of a combination of flights, tours and cruises.

Agents can embrace ChatGTB and other AI developments to their advantage while still providing the personal touch and human interaction that clients value, delegates at the FCTG New Zealand Independent Conference heard late last week.

James Kavanagh, Flight Centre’s CEO leisure, says agents should not be afraid of the technology and should take heed of former predictions of doom.

Travel Associates is continuing plans to expand its presence in the New Zealand market to meet demands following an increase in Kiwis making luxury holiday bookings.

Data from Travel Associates shows bookings for business class airfares have increased 22% month-on-month for May 2023, compared to the previous month.

‘An 11 out of 10 experience’ is how agents have described a recent famil to Cambodia on Aqua Expeditions’ Mekong cruise.
Travel Associates’ Craig Martin was one of four agents lucky enough to accompany Francis Travel Marketing’s Melissa Roberts and Debbie Peters on the cruise following FTM’s November appointment as GSA for the product.
‘It’s the detail that stands out,’ says Martin. ‘Aqua Expeditions has its own skiffs for excursions (which means passengers are not waiting around for boats to ferry them to shore), daily laundry is included, and our shoes were cleaned every time we returned to the boat.’