Express Travel Group has welcomed another new italktravel & Cruise store to its franchise group, with the opening of italktravel & cruise Ballarat last week.
Previously Ballarat Travel & Cruise, owner-operator Alan Valpied first opened a store in Ballarat in 1983. Having been an Independent Travel Group member for several years Alan and the team made the decision earlier this year to move to italktravel and cruise.
“It only seemed a natural progression to join the growing tier of Express Travel Group, italktravel & cruise, which was made more attractive once I knew I would have exclusive territory rights,” Valpied said.
“Representatives of airlines, tour companies and the like had also spoken very highly of the italktravel & cruise franchise group, and I have since discovered they were right, having met other franchisees who welcomed my agency as part of the family, ” Valpied added.
Ari Magoutis, Express Travel Group Executive General Manager said, “We are delighted Alan made the decision to move across to our fully branded franchise solution. He and his team bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the italktravel and cruise family and as a member-driven network we know his input will help drive the successful direction of the franchise into the future.”
The Ballarat addition marks the fourth italktravel & cruise store to open in 2019.
Lead image: italktravel & Cruise Ballarat staff – Tim Hickingbotham, Marita Cougle, Ann Bridgewater, Leanne Drummond and Alan Valpied.