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Thirteen Harvey World Travel agencies around the country are rebranding as United Travel agencies.
United Travel said owners of 12 Harvey World Travel franchises had voted to join its business, creating the second-largest travel agency business in New Zealand.
"It wasn't a purchase or a takeover - we pitched against others to win the business by convincing the Harvey World Travel offices of the advantages to becoming part of United Travel," said John Willson, general manager, United Travel Corporate.
United Travel, part of the Gullivers Travel Group, will have 104 branded and unbranded outlets in New Zealand. Australian travel company S8 Ltd bought Gullivers last year.
United Travel also has a internet-based business through the Zuji site.
The travel industry has changed hugely in the past two years and Mr Willson forecast more changes.
The 12 new United Travel offices are mostly throughout the North Island - four in Auckland, two in the Wellington region, and one each in Eltham, Palmerston North, Levin, Thames, Waihi and Taradale.
The sole South Island office to join was the Victoria Square outlet in Christchurch, one of the top performers in the Harvey World Travel chain.
All 12 former Harvey World Travel offices are expected to have their United Travel signage in place within a few weeks.
- NZPA
