In a world where consolidation is speeding up and the large multinational TMCs are just getting larger, the role of networks and consortia has never been more important for smaller, independent TMCs looking for buying power, geographical reach and access to technology that they may be unable to afford on their own.
One such network is Lufthansa City Center which enjoyed rapid growth during 2023. The addition of 66 new agencies and 11 new countries took its global reach to 285 agencies in 105 countries worldwide. Many of the new additions were in North America and included Gant Travel Management, which has 233 employees in four locations and an annual turnover of €535 million.
Travel Leaders Network, part of the Internova Travel Group, also said 2023 was a record year for signing up new members. The network’s president Roger E Block said, “Travel agencies join us because we give them what they need to make their business more profitable – in whatever way works best for them. And all signs point to 2024 being just as successful of a year as 2023.”
GlobalStar extended its global reach to three new countries. Joining the network are Genoa-based TravelDesk, Profitravel – which has offices in Warsaw and Sopot – and Triton Travel. During 2023, GlobalStar also inked deals with Travelport to be the network’s preferred GDS provider and TripBAM to provide its members with reshopping tools.
Last year saw some big changes at the Focus Travel Partnership. It announce that veteran airline exec Bob Schumacher would join the organisation’s board as non-exec chair and former Capita Travel and Agiito boss James Parkhouse would join as a non-exec director. The organisation also announced that chief executive Abby Penston would be leaving in early January 2024 – she has since been replaced by former Agiito exec Steve Banks.
Developing its tech prowess further, Focus announced the launch of an innovation group to create an ecosystem of solutions to help Focus members meet future challenges. The first announcement as part of the work of the group was a new deal with ground transport company Jyrney. Focus added three new members during 2023: TakeTwo, Easy Avenues and CT Business Travel.
The Advantage Travel Partnership also focused on tech during 2023. In February, the organisation announced the appointment of its first technology partnerships manager – Stephen Baxendale, formerly of Travelport and Conferma. Baxendale will help develop Advantage’s tech strategy.
Later in the year, Advantage announced a deal with inquiry management system provider Lokulus and the launch of a new 12-part methodology to help its members analyse online booking tools. Advantage also swelled its membership in 2023 with the addition of Ambassadeurs Travel Management, Reliable Travel and Exploratours.
Meanwhile, at its annual conference, Selectour president Laurent Abitbol announced an initiative to explore bypassing the IATA and BSP system for payments using Amadeus Wallet. It sounds revolutionary and could bring new income streams for member TMCs. Watch this space over the next year.
