Flight Centre Travel Group (FLT) has unveiled plans to expand its Escape Travel franchise model.
FLT chief operating officer Melanie Waters-Ryan said the company planned to bolster the brand’s organic growth by offering agents from the broader travel industry the opportunity to become Escape Travel franchisees.
“Escape Travel is a growing brand with an expanding nationwide presence of almost 140 shops and a track record of success,” she said.
“Through franchising, we can work with experienced external travel professionals to grow this network more rapidly and, at the same, build on the platforms that are already in place.
“Already, we are being approached by agents who are affiliated to other franchise groups.”
FLT recently announced record results for 2012/13, with total transaction value increasing 7.7% globally to $14.3billion.
In Australia, a new profit milestone was established and turnover increased 9%.
“For Escape Travel, franchising represents a great opportunity to grow the brand’s presence, both in cities and in regional areas, where franchising represents an extremely cost effective means of expansion,” Waters-Ryan said.
“Specifically, franchisees will have access to Escape Travel’s global product range and the advertising, branding and marketing structures that have underpinned FLT’s growth.”
Other potential benefits include access to IT systems and related support services, centralised air ticketing and training and development programmes.
