GROSS REVENUE BOOM FOR TRAVELMANAGERS
TRAVELMANAGERS gross sales were up more than 13% in the seven months to July compared to the same period last year, according to the home-based travel agency group’s executive general manager Michael Gazal. Talking about the group’s growth, he told travelbulletin: “We now have more than 440 personal travel managers (PTMS) in all Australian states and territories with strong coverage in regional Australia as well the major metropolitan areas. “Travelmanagers enjoys strong supplier partner relationships evidenced by exclusive Travelmanagers famils dedicated solely to the company’s PTMS. These are in addition to invitations for PTMS to participate in general industry famils. “Many partner suppliers across a broad range of travel categories offer sales incentives to the PTM network. “Travelmanagers has an extensive program of training activities which are regularly conducted throughout the country and via weekly webinars. These activities are supported by two dedicated training personnel.” Gazal also pointed out that Travelmanagers PTM Ric Pattaro was named “Best Travel Consultant – Corporate” at this year’s National Travel Industry Awards – “the first time a winner came from the homebased consulting segment”. To be accurate, home-based agency Wow Travel, accredited in its own right and not a member of any home-based group, has previously been an NTIA winner. However, Pattaro is the first home-based consultant to win an individual award and the first affiliated to a home-based group. His award is undoubtedly a further indication of the growing strength of this sector.