HLO plots NZ expansion

HELLOWORLD Travel is planning for significant growth in its New Zealand operations, including the launch of a new NZ-based Helloworld Business Travel network along with a new “boutique luxury brand”.

The new networks were unveiled last weekend by HLO NZ executive general manager Simon McKearney in Tokyo, where the company’s NZ owner manager conference took place.

McKearney said Helloworld had “come a long way in the last three years,” describing progress so far as “chapter one.”

“We’re now starting on chapter two, and we’re focused on delivering our value proposition perfectly,” he said.

The launch of Helloworld Business Travel in NZ will provide a new network targetting SME businesses, giving additional options to existing and new Helloworld members with the established backing, experience and resources of Helloworld Business Travel in Australia.

The new luxury-focused network is referred to internally as “Blue Label”, and will be an invitation-only network initially expected to comprise around 12 unbranded stores across NZ.

McKearney said the new networks would fill gaps in the market currently unserved by HLO.

A Helloworld spokesperson told Travel Daily the Blue Label concept was only applicable for NZ, as there was currently no Helloworld Associate network across the Tasman.