National carrier Qantas has announced it has purchased a majority stake in Byron Bay travel agency TripADeal.
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Qantas Frequent Flyers can now earn and use their Points on TripADeal's entire range of holiday packages.
TripADeal packages range from African Safaris, Japanese cultural tours, Antarctic expeditions, to Northern Territory glamping stays and Bali villa holidays.
All of these ready-made holidays can now be paid for with Qantas Points, regardless of which airline is part of the package. Frequent Flyers will also earn three points for every $1 they spend with TripADeal, and can also use 'points plus pay' to make their holiday happen sooner.
Co-founder Norm Black said TripADeal is very proud to be partnering with the national carrier and confirmed the company's headquarters will remain in Byron Bay, offering a range of jobs to Northern Rivers residents.
"We will remain a Northern Rivers company, with our heart firmly in Byron Bay. The growth of our company that will come from this partnership with Qantas is great news for the local community and jobs," Mr Black said.
"We have also recently expanded operations with teams in the Gold Coast and Brisbane."
Co-founder Richard Johnston said the agreement is positive economic news for Northern NSW at a time when it needs it the most.
"We are very proud to continue offering positions to skilled workers and contributing not just to the Byron Shire's economic activity, but to the region's economy," Mr Johnston said.
"We remain the same company, an online travel agency offering bucket list deals at incredible prices, but now with a fantastic partnership with Qantas. This is great news for our customers, and that makes us very happy," he added.
Mr Johnston said the agreement shows that regional businesses can be dynamic, competitive and successful.
"This announcement is proof that businesses located outside metropolitan areas can smash goals, experience sustained growth, attract skilled staff and retain them and, more importantly, serve their customers well," he added.
Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said of the partnership: "This is a great opportunity at the perfect time. Coming out of the pandemic, people want a holiday experience that is special but also tried and tested, and there is a huge shift to booking online.
"That's exactly what TripADeal does. It's an Aussie success story built on delivering ready-made holidays at very sharp prices, and their level of repeat customers shows how well they do it."
