Trade Information

IMAGINE

Imagine a world where like-minded business owners come together under cooperative principles and create a transparent business model that drives exceptional value for shareholders and suppliers alike.

Imagine a world where this transparent business model bucks the trend and sees the cheques being written to you, as opposed to you writing the cheques.

 

Imagine a world where you have the freedom to focus on delivering great products and services to your clients, unencumbered by “Head Office” politics and demands.

 

Imagine a world where your business is truly your business, and you once again have control.

 

A group of visionary travel business people imagined all of this back in 1999 when they formed FIRST Travel Group – a “Family of Independent Retailers Specialising in Travel”, a group that has now become unquestionably New Zealand’s leading independent travel alliance.

With core values of independence, partnership, profitability, passion, integrity and trust, FIRST now has 46 members, who collectively employ more than 400 staff, and have a combined annual turnover of over $500 million. This turnover enables the best deals to be negotiated with key suppliers around the world.

   
 

MANAGEMENT

FIRST has a small yet highly skilled management team, well-regarded throughout the industry. General Manager  John Willson brings 40 plus years of experience, having held numerous senior management positions within travel industry & Paul Smith, brings extensive knowledge and expertise to his role as General Manager of Operations, and is 2IC.

 
 

MEMBERSHIP SERVICES

FIRST is dedicated to helping our members achieve their goals, with a strong focus on managing preferred supplier relationships. Jacquie McLennan, Membership Manager, brings over 30 years of experience across various sectors of the travel industry.

Kylie Oyler, with more than 30 years in Wholesale, Corporate, and Retail, offers a wealth of knowledge to support our members in all aspects of their business. Her expertise is invaluable in heras Marketing Manager.

Alison Mackie, who has been with FIRST since its founding, possesses deep knowledge of the business and the model we operate, making her an essential asset as Supplier Administration Manager.

 
 

YOU Travel & Cruise (Retail)

Launched on 1 April 2016, YOU Travel & Cruise serves as the retail arm of the FTG Group. With locations across the country, YOU Travel & Cruise members bring extensive knowledge and experience to each store, working diligently to customize travel solutions for clients. Their passion for the industry is truly contagious.

Today, YOU Travel & Cruise is recognized as a strong and reputable travel brand, known for its commitment to personally curated travel experiences & exceptional customer service for the discerning traveler.
 
 

TECHNOLOGY

First are proud to have developed key technical systems in-house, which are tailor-made solutions unique to our Members. In 2012, FIRST launched FIN (First Information Network). FIN provides members with instant access to a huge range of information, from preferred supplier agreements and remuneration rates, information on campaigns and special deals, as well as a personalised performance Dashboard.

This dashboard provides owners with up to date information on both their own and the group’s performance against preferred supplier targets, enabling them to understand their income streams in detail.

   

For more details on FIRST, and to discuss the virtues of becoming a member, please confidentially contact on 09 524 1614 or John Willson on 09 524 1610