With the strong dollar trading above parity and seeing an unprecedented number of Australians travelling overseas, Australia Post is taking advantage of this and has entered into the travel market.
Partnering with Harvey World Travel, it has opened a one-stop-shop ‘super store’ at the Brisbane GPO where it will now offer travel related products and services: foreign currency exchange, passports, travel insurance, flights and bookings.
The dedicated Harvey World Travel outlet will give customers access to booking domestic and international flights, worldwide accommodation, cruises, car, rail and coach touring.
The store has been opened under Australia Posts’ one-year trial of the new model before it decides if further expansions will be made.
“More and more Australians are travelling overseas and it’s great to be able to partner with leading brands and our licensees to simplify the travel experience. In the last financial year alone we processed over 1.5 million passport applications,” Christine Corbett, Australia Post’s executive general manager retail services, said.
Additionally, Australia Post has also partnered with American Express to offer currency exchange outlets in 200 of its post offices across the country staffed by American Express foreign exchange specialists. This will complement existing over the counter foreign currency services where customers can order online or in person for collection at more than 3,200 stores across the country.
“The new partnership expands our retail footprint and provides another convenient way for travellers to gain access to our competitive rates, foreign exchange specialists, immediate access to more than 20 popular currencies and the offer of fee-free foreign exchange at Australia Post,” Nick Dinopoulos, vice president of American Express foreign exchange services, said.
Australia Post has also launched its own travel insurance product that is currently available online online but will be made available in stores in 2012.
“Travel insurance is the ideal addition to our growing range of travel services. From passport services, foreign currency, travel guides and accessories through to international sim cards and mail redirection, our goal is to offer our customers all the key services they need under the one roof,” Corbett said.