UTAS Announces the Appointment of New Travel Agents
The University of Tasmania Travel Review Steering Committee announced today the appointment of a panel of two new travel agents as part of an ongoing review of travel management within the University of Tasmania.
The two well known local agents have been selected after a significant travel review process. The appointment of Andrew Jones Travel and Travel Studio was recommended by a seven member selection panel and endorsed by a tender board following an extensive review of the market which commenced early June. The selection panel and tender board was drawn from a wide cross section of University representation.
The University is finalising arrangements for Travel Studio to locate a branch on the Sandy Bay campus and both agents have committed to providing onsite services including to the campuses in Launceston and Burnie as required. Another feature of the new arrangements will be the introduction of an online booking tool which will enable travellers to book domestic airfares, accommodation and car hire online through a simple to use system that is fully supported by one of the preferred travel agents. A number of new and improved services have been negotiated with the new travel agents as well as significantly improved pricing structures which will increase the transparency of the cost of airfares and travel related services booked through the travel agents.
The new travel agents will commence services to the University at the start of 2012. The current travel agent agreements will remain in place until 31 December 2011 when the new arrangements will take effect.
STA and RACT will continue to provide travel agency services to the University staff and students up until the New Year, and all bookings made with STA and RACT up to this point for travel beyond 2011 will be managed by the current agents until travel is completed.
The University in conjunction with Andrew Jones Travel and Travel Studio will undertake a Travel Road Show in late January and February. Staff will be given the opportunity to meet key staff from both agencies, discuss the new travel arrangements as well as the provision of training in travel policy and the online booking tool.
The new travel agents are keen to start building their relationships with the University community and informal “meet and greet” sessions have been arranged for December, feel free to call in at any time during the session.
- Hobart: Thursday, 8 December, 2pm to 3pm, Venue to be advised (both Andrew Jones Travel and Travel Studio)
- Launceston, Monday, 12 December, 11am to 12noon, Venue to be advised (Andrew Jones Travel)
- Cancelled – Launceston, Monday, 19 December
Refreshments will be provided, for catering purposes and to be advised of the Launceston venues please register at:
Training Room, Register Online, go to ‘Travel Agent Meet and Greet’.
Queries can be directed to Travel Admin.
John Clements
Assistant Director, Financial Services