The Global Travel Group Plc was formed in 1993 with the specific purpose of uniting independent travel agents and providing them with the capability to compete with the larger multiple groups.

The Group has established an excellent reputation for providing a low-cost solution for people wishing to start their own business venture in the exciting travel marketplace. Our unique customer protection scheme has enabled entrepreneurial individuals from a variety of different backgrounds to set up their own successful travel businesses and avoid the high barriers to entry usually associated with the travel industry.

The core objective of The Global Travel Group is to optimise profits for the Group and its members through unique innovation and technological advancement, creating a market leading force of independent travel agents who in turn operate as ethical and responsible retailers.

In 2008, leading global integrated travel services and hospitality company Stella Group further expanded its retail agency network in the United Kingdom with the purchase of The Global Travel Group Plc.

The purpose of the acquisition was to cement Stella Group's position as a leading player in the large and growing UK travel market. The acquisition fits perfectly within its virtual vertically integrated global travel business model makes Stella UK approximately the same size as Stella Group’s Australian domestic operations.

The UK business will now mirror what has been successfully created in Australia & New Zealand and the Group can capitalise on opportunities provided by the Stella Group retail distribution network, along with its accommodation and travel products. The Stella Group firmly believe there are significant opportunities and organic growth potential available through the independent sector in the UK.

Also, with the earlier acquisitions of Travelbag and Travel 2 both performing very well, the Stella Group has made, and continues to make, substantial inroads into the UK market. The Global Travel Group Chief Executive Andrew Botterill says the company and all its stakeholders will benefit from Stella Group's integrated business model.

“Our franchisees and affiliates receive a number of benefits from being part of a larger combined group, including greater product buying strength from increased scale and synergies from access to Stella’s world-class wholesale and consolidation platform,” said Andrew. “Franchisees and affiliates remain the key to the continued success of our business and we will do everything to ensure a streamlined transition into the Stella business.”