Helloworld Hunter Travel Group Named Australia's Top Multi-Store Agency for 2026

Newcastle's Helloworld Hunter Travel Group Crowns 2026 With National Multi-Store Honor

Helloworld Hunter Travel Group (HTG) has secured the Helloworld Travel Agency of the Year (Multi-Store) National Winner award at the network's 2026 Owners & Managers Conference, held in Cairns on June 13. The recognition represents a remarkable achievement for the Newcastle-based travel powerhouse, which has grown from a single regional storefront into one of Australia's largest privately owned travel retailers. The award caps a historic performance for HTG across state and national competitions, underscoring the company's prominence within the Helloworld network and the broader Australian travel industry.

The gala awards evening at the Cairns Convention Centre delivered exceptional recognition for HTG and its affiliated businesses, cementing the group's position as a leader in multi-location travel retail operations across the continent.

Newcastle Agency Claims Helloworld's Top National Title

The national award follows HTG's earlier recognition as NSW/ACT Agency of the Year (Multi-Store), establishing the company as the standout performer among Helloworld's larger retail enterprises. Founded in Newcastle in 1999 by CEO Brett Dann, the group has evolved from modest beginnings into a retail giant operating more than 35 locations nationwide while employing approximately 200 travel professionals.

CEO Brett Dann emphasized that the accolade belongs to the entire HTG team. "To be recognised as Australia's leading multi-store Helloworld Travel agency is an incredible honour and one that belongs to every member of our team," Dann stated. "What makes this achievement particularly special is that it has been earned by a business that was built right here in Newcastle."

The Helloworld Hunter Travel Group operates through multiple brands including Helloworld Travel HTG, RACQ Travel, RACT Travel, Cruise Travel Centre, Helloworld Business Travel HTG, and The Explorer Lounge. This diversified portfolio allows the group to service leisure travelers, cruise enthusiasts, and corporate clients seeking comprehensive travel management solutions. The company maintains strong connections to its regional roots while serving customers across Australia and New Zealand.

From Single Store to 35-Location National Network

The transformation of Helloworld Hunter Travel Group demonstrates how strategic expansion and customer-focused service build sustainable growth in travel retail. Beginning as a solitary agency in Newcastle, the group has scaled its operations to encompass 35 plus locations without compromising the personal touch that defines its brand identity.

"Travel is ultimately about people," Dann reflected. "These awards recognise the expertise, care and personal service our teams deliver every day, whether they're helping a family plan their first overseas holiday, arranging a dream cruise, or managing complex business travel requirements."

The company's growth strategy balances expansion with maintaining core values centered on personalized customer service. Each location operates within a framework that prioritizes client relationships and tailored travel solutions. This approach has resonated with travelers seeking alternatives to online-only booking platforms, positioning HTG as a trusted advisor for holiday planning and travel logistics.

For more insights on how travel agencies adapt to market changes, explore our guide on contemporary travel retail trends in 2026.

Strong Night for HTG Sister Companies

The 2026 Helloworld awards celebration proved exceptional for the broader HTG family beyond the national recognition. Sister companies RACT Travel and RACQ Travel captured the Victoria/Tasmania and Queensland multi-store awards respectively, while HTG secured the NSW/ACT state title before advancing to claim the national championship.

The collective success across multiple state awards and brands demonstrates the strength of HTG's organizational structure and operational excellence. RACQ Travel serves Queensland's travel market through the resources and expertise of the larger group, while RACT Travel provides similar regional leadership in Victoria and Tasmania. These complementary operations allow HTG to serve diverse geographic markets while maintaining consistent service standards and professional expertise.

The three state awards, combined with the national multi-store title, represent unprecedented recognition for a group anchored in regional Australia. This performance underscores how travel agencies built on strong foundations can compete effectively at national levels while serving distinct local markets with specialized attention.

Recognition Reflects Team Dedication and Industry Leadership

The Helloworld Hunter Travel Group's 2026 awards showcase the dedication of nearly 200 travel professionals across the network. These specialists bring years of experience in destination knowledge, travel logistics, visa requirements, cruise itineraries, and corporate travel management to their roles serving Australian travelers.

Dann expressed gratitude to both clients and supplier partners. "We are incredibly grateful to our clients for their continued loyalty and support, and to our supplier partners who work alongside us every day. This award is something our entire HTG family can celebrate together," he stated.

The 2026 Helloworld Owners & Managers Conference attracted more than 550 delegates from Australia and New Zealand, including agency proprietors, retail managers, airline representatives, cruise line executives, and tourism organizations. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli officially opened the event, emphasizing the critical role that travel advisors play in supporting regional tourism economies. This conference attendance underscores the industry significance of awards recognizing multi-store agencies that drive substantial travel volumes and economic impact.

The recognition also reflects broader industry trends favoring specialized travel retailers who combine digital capabilities with human expertise. Travel professionals remain essential for complex itineraries, group bookings, and personalized service that distinguishes premium travel experiences from commodity booking options.

Key Metrics: Helloworld Hunter Travel Group at a Glance

Metric	Details
Founding Year	1999
Founding Location	Newcastle, NSW
Founder & CEO	Brett Dann
Operating Locations	35+ stores nationally
Employee Count	Approximately 200 travel professionals
2026 Awards	National Multi-Store Title + NSW/ACT State Award
Sister State Awards	Victoria/Tasmania (RACT Travel), Queensland (RACQ Travel)
Brand Portfolio	Helloworld Travel HTG, RACQ Travel, RACT Travel, Cruise Travel Centre, Helloworld Business Travel HTG, The Explorer Lounge
Service Categories	Leisure travel, cruise specialists, corporate/business travel
Conference Attendance 2026	550+ delegates from Australia and New Zealand

What This Means for Travelers

Helloworld Hunter Travel Group's national recognition carries important implications for Australian travelers seeking reliable booking services and expert travel advice.

Access to Specialist Knowledge: With approximately 200 trained travel professionals across 35 locations, travelers gain access to deep expertise in destinations, cruise itineraries, visa requirements, and travel logistics that online platforms cannot match.
Multi-Brand Service Options: The group's portfolio spanning leisure, cruise, and corporate travel means clients can coordinate complex itineraries through interconnected services, simplifying planning for families, group travelers, and business professionals.
Regional Convenience with National Scale: Travelers in regional Australia and major cities benefit from local storefronts backed by national purchasing power and supplier relationships, ensuring competitive pricing alongside personalized service.
Award-Winning Service Standards: National recognition validates HTG's commitment to service excellence, providing assurance that booking through the group connects travelers with recognized industry leaders rather than unproven online alternatives.
Established Track Record: Operating continuously since 1999 with significant expansion demonstrates financial stability and operational maturity, reducing risk when travelers entrust major vacation planning to the organization.