| Webjet Limited | |
| Type: | Public |
| Founded: | 1998 |
| Founder: | David Clarke, John Lemish, Allan Nahum |
| Location City: | Melbourne |
| Location Country: | Australia |
| Industry: | Travel |
| Services: | Travel Booking |
| Key People: | John Guscic (1 February 2011 - Current) |
Webjet Limited is a global digital travel business operating and trading in both consumer (B2C) and wholesale (B2B) markets. Webjet Limited's Registered Office is located in Melbourne, Australia.
The consumer division includes Webjet, an online travel agency (OTA) in Australia and New Zealand, and Online Republic, a New Zealand-based online travel booking business.
The wholesale division, WebBeds is a travel intermediary, providing accommodation and ground services to the travel industry through booking websites. The company trades globally, operating three locally managed regional divisions — Asia Pacific (APAC), Americas Middle East & Africa (AMEA) and Europe.
Established in 1998, Webjet is an online travel agency in Australia and New Zealand.[1]
Webjet acquired the online travel booking group Online Republic in May 2016 for $NZ85 million. In 2021, Online Republic rebranded as GoSee which is a global e-commerce group based in New Zealand.[2]
WebBeds is a travel provider brand established in February 2013.[3] Later that year, it launched 'Lots of Hotels' in Dubai, a service that allows consumers to find and book hotels.[4] The service was extended to North America in November 2015.[5] Additionally, Webjet acquired European online hotel provider Sunhotels in September 2014.[6] [7] In August 2016, it was announced Sunhotels (as a subsidiary of Webjet Limited) was set to assume control of over 3,000 hotel contracts owned by European tour operating group Thomas Cook. The transition of this partnership deal is expected to be complete by January 2019 .
Launched in November 2016, FIT Ruums focuses on B2B travel distribution for worldwide hotel accommodation and transfers in Asia. FIT Ruums has offices in Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Indonesia, Taiwan, Malaysia, India, Thailand, China, and Japan.[8]
Acquired in September 2017, JacTravel is a global hotel accommodation supplier, specialising in inbound group travel services to the United Kingdom, Ireland and Europe. JacTravel is headquartered in London and has offices throughout the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North America.[9]
Previously known as Exclusively Hotels, Totalstay.com was launched in Europe in 2006. Totalstay is a hotel booking tool for travel agents.[10]
Webjet Limited acquired Destinations of the World in 2018.[11]
Webjet was established by former Jetset Travel Chief Executive David Clarke, Allan Nahum and John Lemish in 1998.[12]
The company was publicly listed on the ASX in 2000 through a reverse takeover deal with Roper River Resources NL.[13] Roper River Resources NL became Webjet NL on 18 April 2000 and was later changed to Webjet Limited on 15 June 2000. On 31 May 2001 Webjet became 100% automated, allowing customers to fully complete their bookings online.[14] Webjet launched a WAP website in May 2002 for mobile phones and offered SMS customer support.
In April 2010, Webjet Limited commenced operations in North America through a joint venture with Mathias Friess, formerly General Manager of Global Sales and Distribution of Virgin Australia, and Head of Sales North America for Lufthansa.[15] Webjet entered into a joint venture with Westminster Travel in Asia to initially cover the establishment of Webjet in Singapore and Hong Kong. This was followed by the launch of Webjet in Canada in December 2010.
In February 2011, John Guscic was appointed as Webjet's Managing Director, after serving on the Webjet board since 2003.[16]
In April 2012, Webjet OTA signed as a major sponsor of the Melbourne Football Club, with players sporting the Webjet.com.au logo on the front of their club guernseys less than 24 hours after the deal was struck.[17] In the same month, Webjet also partnered with Australian loyalty program flybuys.[18]
In July 2012, Webjet entered into its first international franchise agreement with BidTravel in South Africa.[19]
In March 2013, Webjet acquired Zuji in Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore from Travelocity for $25 million.[20] [21]
In November 2013, Webjet signed a two-year deal as the principal sponsor of Sydney Thunder for the 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 seasons.[22]
In February 2014, Webjet and Sydney FC agreed to a new major commercial partnership which renewed their status as the principal partner of the team since the beginning of the 2012/2013 Hyundai A-League season.[23] Webjet entered into a binding Heads of Agreement to acquire the SunHotels Group in Europe,[24] and was fully acquired by September 2014.[25]
In February 2015, Webjet began accepting Bitcoin on holiday package bookings, making it one of the first Australian retailers to accept the electronic currency in their payment process.[26]
In May 2016, Webjet formally disclosed its acquisition of former rival Online Republic through the airing of a video in national TV, showing the Airport Rentals (Australia) brand .
On 9 November 2016, Webjet announced the sale of Zuji for $56 million, doubling its investment.[27]
In June 2017, Webjet announced the conclusion of its joint venture with Mathias Friess, by selling its remaining interest in Webjet in North America. Webjet re-acquired the rights to Webjet.com, with the remaining brand and operations transitioning over to 'Flyus.com'.[28]
In August 2017, Webjet announced the purchase of UK-based Jac Travel (who in turn had acquired its rival Totalstay in 2015).[29]
In March 2021, Webjet announced an investment in LockTrip.[30]