HARVEY World Travel has set its sights on becoming the fifth major travel agency brand in the UK with a stable of 300 shops.
The Australian-owned travel giant currently has only 24 outlets but by June this number will rise to 100 thanks to acquisitions of former Going Places shops and a deal to set up branches in supermarket chain Morrisons.
Having entered the UK market in January 2005 agency numbers have risen slowly. But managing director John Donnelly is confident of rapid expansion this year.
“We are talking to different groups and 300 is our target; we don’t need any more. Members won’t have to compete with each other. We want to be the fifth biggest name on the high street,” he said.
HWT has signed a £1 million deal with software firm Comtec to roll out management system TravelCat and selling system Easysell across its network. The deal will also see new innovations brought in, such as a webcam link with branches in South Africa at its Cannock store that goes live next week.
There are plans for free-standing computers consoles in branches allowing customers to book online.
This system will also come with webcams so customers can talk to specialist staff at head office if they have any queries.
Donnelly said: “Once we get up and running, we will think about expanding the webcam link to Australia and New Zealand. It’s taking it to the next level. Customers will be able to book online but they can ask an agent for help and advice before they book.”