Uniglobe forms alliance with Magellan Travel

Uniglobe Travel International has entered into a new partnership with Magellan Travel Group that will see the company expand its network of agencies in Australia. Headquartered in Melbourne, Magellan is a member-owned network of more 85 independent travel agencies. It will now join the Uniglobe Global Partner programme, qualifying Magellan agencies to become Uniglobe partner branches. “Magellan is uniquely suited to our Global Partner programme,” said Uniglobe’s president & chief operating officer, Martin Charlwood. “Uniglobe is a franchise organisation, yet we recognise that not all travel management companies need the full support of a franchise system. As well, in a competitive global market, our franchises need stronger partner representation and increased brand profile in such critically important business markets as Australia.” And speaking to Travel Daily on Friday (18 October 2013), John Henry, senior vice president of global development for Uniglobe, said there were “tremendous synergies” between the companies, and that he expected rapid expansion following the partnership. “I’d be surprised if we didn’t have 20-30 Magellan-Uniglobe locations around the country in the next 18 months,” Henry said. This would add to the existing locations with Uniglobe’s existing partners, Platinum Group and Qantas Business Travel (QBT), although Uniglobe will soon part company with QBT. “We are very excited to be participating in the Global Partner Program as it offers our corporate members a globally recognised brand and an international network without compromising their independence and identity” says Andrew Macfarlane, Magellan CEO. “Their program offers a range of tangible tools, from airfare and hotel programs to technology solutions, that enhance customer service and profitability for travel management companies”. Source: Travel Daily