About Us

First Travel Group

FIRST TRAVEL GROUP LIMITED is New Zealand's leading independent travel alliance specialising in high-end leisure and corporate travel.

It was established on 01 March 1999 and is made up of over 50 long established owned and operated members who are based throughout New Zealand.  These agencies employ more than 450 staff and have a combined turnover of around $500 million a year.

The majority of the offices are owner-operators, who show their committment to the group by being invited to take up a share holding option.  Obviously, if they support the preferred suppliers and deals put in place, then the financial reward will follow.  First Travel Group is owned 80% by the members and 20% by key personnel at Head Office in Auckland.  Unlike other groups, First Travel Group charges no annual fee to belong.  It operates as a co-operative, providing synergy's in buying power and negotiated group deals that offices would not receive on an individual basis.

The group's strength and point of difference lies in its focus on the corporate and high-end segment of the travel industry.  This has seen First Travel Group become the largest, high yield group for most of the major airlines flying into New Zealand.  In recognition of this, we were the first Group in New Zealand to be awarded Gold Status by Air New Zealand in 2006, which is their highest priority relationship category.   Air New Zealand Gold Status. This status and volume also carries through when negotiating deals with other suppliers such as wholesalers, hotels and rental car companies.

First Travel Group also acts as an industry watchdog, commenting and lobbying on issues relevant to New Zealand's 2.5 billion a year travel sector.  The travel industry is constantly changing and we try to provide leadership and direction to the group to help them address the challenges.

In 2005 we conducted a survey on the trends of the business traveller, with the following article being published in various nationwide business publications.   NZ Corporate Travel Research.   We also feature regular articles in trade publications and media , with updates on the group's movement.  First News Release

First Head Office is dedicated on firmly focused on offering exceptional value and growth to its existing family of co-operative members, whilst attracting other like-minded offices to the fold.