Magellan celebrates growth at first-ever offshore conference

Magellan Travel Group has come a long way since its first inception eight years ago, with chief executive officer Andrew Macfarlane proudly reporting growth in all areas of the business. “Over the last three years, Magellan has successfully doubled its membership, doubled turnover and tripled profit,” group chief executive officer Andrew Macfarlane told travelbulletin at the annual conference which was held in Auckland, New Zealand last month. In FY16 total transaction value (TTV) climbed from $860 million in FY14/15 to $883 million, with total income earned in the year ending in June sitting just over $10 million. However, Macfarlane was quick to point out that the final figure would’ve been closer to 15% up on the prior year had suppliers paid on time. “But it’s still a really strong result,” he said. “And one we’re very proud of”. The year has seen the group not only grown in profit but also in staff. New to the head office team are David Stafford, Commercial Operations Manager; Scott Darlow, Sydneybased National Manager Corporate and Accountant Jill Keating. It’s no accident that the group appointed a Sydney-based national manager, said Macfarlane, who explained that part of Scott’s role would be to approach “good corporate agents to join the group”. “There was a time that we were happy to be the quiet achievers just ticking away…but we want to be more on the front foot now, stopping short of BDMS knocking on the door and selling you a story.” And for agents whose three-year contracts are coming to an end with competing networks in the next six months, Macfarlane had but one message: “Our doors are open”. “Magellan is open for growth and interested in enquiries from agents who think we might be right for them.” A new marketing and communications manager will also join the head office team later in the year, marking “a significant change in how aggressively [we] will promote Magellan to the travel industry and agents and suppliers alike”. Around 200 Magellan member agents and preferred suppliers made their away across the ditch last month for the annual event, which was the first-ever offshore conference for the group. The three-day gathering saw attendees partake in the annual Magellan Masters golf tournament (this year held at The Grange Golf Club), participate in engaging workshops, and celebrate the year’s achievements at the Magellan Gala and Awards Dinner. Next year’s Magellan conference will be held at the new Crown Towers in Perth.