Helloworld Travel expands retail footprint with 14 new stores in vote of confidence for travel agents
Helloworld Travel Limited (ASX:HLO) has grown its network with 14 new stores opened, announced or committed over the last 18 months, in what the company describes as a significant vote of confidence in both the travel agency sector and the Helloworld brand.
The expansion draws from two sources: successful independent business owners joining the group, and existing members investing further through additional multi-store locations.
For investors, network growth expands the company’s retail footprint and reinforces the strength of the Helloworld brand across Australia. It signals confidence among ambitious business owners seeking the benefits of a strong national brand alongside supporting infrastructure.
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Where the network is growing
The retail expansion spans a mix of newly opened agencies and multi-store growth by established owners. New agencies to join the network include:
- Helloworld Hampton
- Helloworld Mt Gravatt
- Helloworld Nerang
- Helloworld Waverley Gardens
- Helloworld Dutton Park
- Delta Holidays
- Barrow and Bear
Alongside these, established owners have expanded through multi-store locations including Helloworld Kingsway, Helloworld Noosa and New Farm Travel.
The company has also announced two new branded locations: Helloworld Chadstone, situated in Melbourne’s largest shopping centre, and Helloworld Miranda in New South Wales.
High-profile sites such as Chadstone point to premium brand positioning and exposure to significant foot traffic. For investors, placement within major retail centres reflects both brand strength and the appeal of the Helloworld network to business owners seeking prominent locations.
MTA acquisition strengthens home-based advisor network
Helloworld has completed the acquisition of MTA – Mobile Travel Agents. In October 2025, the company acquired the remaining 50% of MTA, taking Helloworld’s ownership of the business to 100%.
The Queensland-based operation adds 450 home-based travel advisors and 60 MTA head-office personnel to the group. It is described as “Australia’s largest home-based travel network.”
Full ownership takes Helloworld’s ownership of the business to 100% and adds a scaled home-based distribution channel alongside the company’s bricks-and-mortar retail network. No acquisition value was disclosed in the announcement.
Why bricks-and-mortar travel agents still matter
Despite the growth of online booking platforms, physical and advisor-led networks remain relevant. Consumers increasingly value expert advice to navigate a complex travel environment, supporting continued demand for the Helloworld model.
For investors, network scale underpins the company’s commercial partnerships, its ability to leverage technology across a broad base, and the earnings foundation that supports the group.
Andrew Burnes AO, CEO and Managing Director
“The addition of the new locations and members is a strong endorsement of both the strength of the Helloworld Travel network and the ongoing value consumers place on expert travel advice. The growth reflects the enduring relevance of bricks-and-mortar travel agencies and the important role they play in helping travellers navigate an increasingly complex travel environment. While technology continues to evolve, consumers value more and more the reassurance, expertise and advocacy that comes from working directly with experienced travel professionals. The unprecedented growth of our store network shows the power of the Helloworld Travel brand and the strong demand among travel professionals to join a trusted, well-supported, and growing network. This growth also demonstrates the confidence that independent business owners have in our network, with both new and existing members choosing to invest and expand their presence in local communities.”
The scale behind the brand
The recent additions sit within a substantial existing footprint that frames the broader investment thesis.
FY26 earnings guidance has been revised to a $57-$62 million EBITDA range following Middle East conflict-driven airline capacity disruptions, yet that revised range still represents year-on-year growth over the $55.6 million delivered in FY25.
| Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| Personnel across Australia, NZ, Fiji & Greece | Over 900 |
| Members of agency & broker networks (AU/NZ) | Over 2,600 |
| New stores over 18 months | 14 |
| MTA home-based advisors | 450 |
What comes next for the network
The announced locations represent part of a wider growth story, with further agency openings and member expansions already secured for the remainder of 2026 and into 2027. Secured upcoming locations include:
- Helloworld Elanora
- Helloworld Wagga Wagga
- Helloworld Toowong
- Helloworld North Lakes
- Helloworld Whitford City
A secured pipeline of this kind supports continued expansion of the network and provides visibility over the group’s future earnings potential, reinforcing the momentum behind the Helloworld brand.
The network expansion coincides with a board-level governance investment at Helloworld, with former Australian Treasurer Peter Costello AC appointed as an Independent Director effective 1 June 2026, adding substantial public-sector and ASX-listed commercial experience to the group.
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