Golden Era of Travel soaring to new heights

MEDIA RELEASE
December 1 2016

GOLDEN ERA OF TRAVEL SOARING TO NEW HEIGHTS

Figures released today from Flight Centre NZ show the volume of Kiwis travelling has risen significantly during 2016 with international travel up almost 10 per cent on the year prior.

Driven by record low airfares, increased accessibility and high inbound travel levels, the travel retailer say they’ve had one of their busiest years ever and early predictions for 2017 are that this is set to continue.

Flight Centre NZ managing director David Coombes says, “the ‘Golden Era of Travel’ on steroids is what we’re predicting for travel in 2017, with more freedom to travel for Kiwis than ever before.”

While continued competition in the New Zealand market is predicted to play a part in this, Flight Centre NZ say the release of Flight Centre Mastercard® will be a real game changer in 2017.

Launched today, Flight Centre Mastercard, is a first of its kind in the New Zealand travel industry.

With the freedom, security and convenience of a Mastercard, Long Term Finance offering and ability to earn Flight Centre Rewards on any purchase, anywhere, it’s just what Kiwi travellers have been waiting for.

Rewards earned will be automatically redeemed on any Flight Centre NZ transaction. Additionally any purchases in-store or online with Flight Centre NZ will earn double Flight Centre Rewards.

Mr Coombes says, “With 26 (soon to be 28) airlines now flying on international routes from Auckland (and more predicted in 2017) and countless hotels, tour operators and cruiseliners, Kiwis are travelling more than ever.

“But we were continually hearing frustrations from our customers that they didn’t have the freedom to shop and earn travel rewards that could be used across the board. They also wanted an option to ‘travel now and pay later’. With the launch of the Flight Centre Mastercard they now have this freedom,” says Mr Coombes.

Flexi Cards NZ chief executive Greg Shepherd says Flight Centre was a logical partner for the launch of such an innovative product.

“Flight Centre is a long-term partner of Q Card and we have had a very strong collaborative relationship for almost 10 years. They are leaders in the travel industry and we, as experts in point-of-sale finance and payments, like to work with such organisations to bring them smart, practical and user-friendly solutions.

“We are both in the business of making life more enjoyable for New Zealanders, and the new Flight Centre Mastercard will provide Kiwis with more freedom and flexibility when choosing their next adventure.”

Flexi Cards was the first non-bank to be granted a Mastercard issuing licence in New Zealand.

“And now we are innovating again with a co-branded card, which is actually three cards in one – a long-term finance card, a travel rewards card and a globally-accepted credit card,” says Shepherd.

Together with Flight Centre, we have created a very compelling product. We are confident Flight Centre Mastercard will quickly find a place in many thousands of Kiwi wallets.”

“Kiwis really value earning rewards points while they spend, so the ability to gain Flight Centre Rewards is an added bonus for customers while travelling either domestically or abroad,” says Peter Chisnall, country manager for Mastercard New Zealand and Pacific Islands.

“In addition the Flight Centre Mastercard features all the benefits of Mastercard products, including worldwide acceptance, fraud prevention measures and Tap and Go, which New Zealanders are increasingly using to make everyday purchases.”

For more information about Flight Centre Mastercard please visit www.flightcentremastercard.co.nz

Flight Centre Mastercard’s suite of features include:

· Earn Flight Centre Rewards on all purchases and double Flight Centre Rewards on all purchases at Flight Centre New Zealand. Redeem Rewards on any purchase at Flight Centre New Zealand.

· Credit card facilities for purchases in-store and online at millions of locations around the globe, including cash advances at banks and ATMs, wherever Mastercard is accepted.

· Built-in access to Flexi Cards’ long term finance deals at thousands of participating retailers throughout New Zealand.

· Contactless technology allowing payments up to $80NZD using Tap & Go without the need to enter a PIN.

- ENDS -

About Flight Centre NZ Ltd

Flight Centre (NZ) Ltd is New Zealand’s largest travel agency, with approximately 1,200 staff in more than 200 retail stores and businesses nationwide.

Flight Centre consultants are the travel experts and are selected for their vast product knowledge and their passion for travel. Flight Centre’s global network allows consultants access to the widest travel product offering in New Zealand, at the best value.

Flight Centre Limited globally has almost 13,000 staff in 13 countries including Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa, Hong Kong, India, China, Singapore, The Netherlands and Dubai.

About Flexi Cards

Flexi Cards is New Zealand’s specialist centre of excellence for point-of-sale finance and payments. Its product range includes Q Mastercard, Q Card and Farmers Finance Card and it was the first non-bank to be granted a Mastercard issuing licence in New Zealand. Flexi Cards is part of FlexiGroup NZ, a wholly-owned subsidiary of ASX-listed Flexi Group, Australasia’s leading provider of financial solutions for lifestyle, home and business. www.flexicards.co.nz

© Scoop Media