Travel agency business Helloworld has launched a network of independent affiliated travel agents, My Travel Group.

Andrew Burnes, Helloworld CEO, said “My Travel Group enters the market as the largest independent agent consortia in Australia and has been the culmination of more than 12 months’ consultation and work with both our Affiliate and Concorde Agency Networks.

“My Travel Group is an evolution of our long-standing relationship with independent agents and the offering is delivering on what our agents tell us they want.

“In addition to being part of a consolidated buying group, our agents wanted the support of a dedicated team, access to tailored networking and conference events and the flexibility of a range of tailored opt-ins including technology and training to meet their individual business needs.”

According to David Padman, head of corporate, associate and affiliate networks, the new group is not a retail agency and members will retain their own branding.

“My Travel Group is an affiliation brand which supports our agents’ individual brands and identities. It allows our agents to be recognised as part of a network, especially by our suppliers.”

Padman said the dedicated portal provides access to all SmartFares, SmartTickets and preferred partner information.

Helloworld now offers a fully branded model, associate member model, Helloworld for business corporate model and the new affiliated independent buying group.