FLIGHT Centre Travel Group (FCTG) will reopen just 30 of its Liberty Travel stores in the USA after the COVID-19 pandemic passes, with the offices to become so-called “network hubs” where consultants can opt to work and meet clients & suppliers.
The move will see 95 existing outlets shut down, with the company citing retail trends indicating lower demand from shoppers for physical locations.
Flight Centre’s new North American leisure travel model, which will also be implemented in Canada, will be led by Marc Casto as the company’s President, Leisure Brands for the Americas.
Casto, whose San Francisco travel agency was acquired by Flight Centre about 18 months ago (TD 21 Dec 2018), is also currently Vice Chair of the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) and will take up his new role immediately.
FCTG’s “reimagined” leisure business model gives customers access through consultants who will have remote access to the company’s systems and products.
Each network hub will be run by a “network manager” and each consultant will be affiliated with a particular hub with the ability to work either in-store or remotely.
The company hasn’t yet made public where the remaining Americas offices will be retained.
FCTG had previously flagged intentions to close more than half its stores globally, including 428 in Australia (TD 06 Apr).
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Source: traveldaily