THE ASX-listed company’s revenue rose by 175% to nearly $30 million, and EBITDA reached $4.6 million in Australia and $500,000 in New Zealand for the first quarter of the 2022/23 financial year.
The travel agency confirmed it is on track to achieve an underlying EBITDA of $22-26 million for the 2023 financial year, provided recovery from the pandemic continues with “no material adverse change in operating conditions” impacting the business.
Helloworld’s retail division in Australia and New Zealand is expected to continue its strong growth trajectory, as travellers take advantage of the first post-pandemic northern hemisphere summer without border restrictions, along with a renewed interest in cruise as more ships arrive in Australian waters in the coming months.
The company also highlighted the recent launch of its new brand campaign across Australia, which it said is “driving new customers in the door of our branded and associate networks”.
“Network numbers continue to hold fast as consumers seek out their travel professional to help craft and manage their travel demands,” the company said, with a total of 2,051 members across Australia and New Zealand as of 30 September.
While that figure is down by 13 from the end of June, and 133 fewer than September 2021, the company said its newly launched Helloworld Travel Academy is supporting the network in onboarding new travel professionals.
Going forward, Helloworld revealed it will focus on investing in key technology programs, which it is now able to do thanks to no external borrowing and strong liquidity – largely due to the proceeds of the Corporate Travel Management sale.
MEANWHILE, Cinzia Burnes has been re-elected as Executive Director at the Helloworld Travel Limited 2022 Annual General Meeting held earlier today, which also saw the re-election of Garry Hounsell as Chairman, and the election of Rob Dalton as Non-Executive Director. Additionally, members voted overwhelmingly in favour of adopting a new constitution.
