American Express expands Holiday Shoppe

American Express expands in NZ with Holiday Shoppe franchise agreement

Leading corporate travel and credit card company American Express, and leading travel retailer Holiday Shoppe are both targeting growth with the signing of a long term New Zealand franchise agreement.

In what is a first for this country, Holiday Shoppe’s nationwide network of 80-plus travel Shoppes will offer a range of commercial and travel services to American Express’s New Zealand card members.

From January 2003 all Holiday Shoppe’s will be branded in American Express signage, have staff trained on American Express systems and be able to provide a range of services including the issue of American Express travellers cheques and payment of American Express charge and credit card accounts.

At the same time American Express card members will be able to make all their travel bookings through their local Holiday Shoppe – and benefit from exclusive American Express card member travel offers.

Announcing the association, Holiday Shoppe General Manager Digby Lawley said that this agreement was a logical and significant association between two well-established brands that were both targeting growth within the NZ market.

“The outbound travel market is worth over 2 billion dollars and we are now well on our way to securing our increased share of this,” he said.

“This association will offer significant benefits to both American Express Card members and Holiday Shoppe customers and we are very excited by the opportunities ahead,” Mr Lawley said. “Holiday Shoppe has just completed its nationwide merger with former travel chain Budget Travel and we see this association as perfectly suited to our new market positioning. In particular both brands are highly focused on providing quality products and services at competitive retail levels.” American Express Director of Travel Services Adam Berry said American Express had a long history as a trusted travel service provider but its travel profile in New Zealand had been lower than in other markets around the world.

“The franchise agreement with Holiday Shoppe will heighten American Express’ street-level presence and lead to some tremendous benefits for our travelling card members.

“At the same time the deal reflects American Express’ confidence in the growth prospects of the New Zealand travel industry. New Zealanders have always been among the world’s greatest travellers. Helping Kiwis realize their travel dreams will be the mission of this franchise agreement,” Mr Berry said.

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