AUSTRALIA | Global travel platform Nexus DMC has secured an exclusive new partnership with luxury global travel distributor Travel Answers (TAG), building on the rapid growth of the region’s newest, tech-led inbound tour operator.
Travel Answers is already one of the largest providers of USA business into Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands and aims to double its total turnover in the next two years. TAG is also the preferred APAC provider for most major US travel agent consortia.
The alliance opened a new, streamlined process for Travel Answers agents to book even the most complicated itineraries with unprecedented ease and efficiency. Nexus DMC’s revolutionary software, including a dedicated AI application, was used.
“This exciting new alliance has seen our team busily contracting suppliers in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific as we work with Kirk and the TAG Group. It has opened up North American inbound business to complement the growing number of Indian visitors we are handling in Australia now,” said Sahil Nijhawan, CEO of Nexus DMC ANZ.
“With our ‘One World, One DMC’ approach, Travel Answers can tap into our extensive network of on-ground support in almost 30 countries and enjoy simplified processes and support that allows them to focus on their core business of creating travel experiences.”
This investment in the TAG group followed recent news that Nexus DMC has opened a new global headquarters in Melbourne, the recent establishment of offices in New Zealand and Sydney, and an on-ground team on the Gold Coast.
Founded over 30 years ago by well-known travel industry leader Kirk Demeter, the Travel Answers Group is based in Seattle and includes brands such as Down Under Answers, Travel2, Islands in the Sun, Africa Answers and Asia Answers.
Kirk Demeter, Founder and CEO of TAG, said the new partnership decision was driven by a commitment to future-proofing the business and enhancing its support for Travel Advisors.
"We are thrilled with this transformative strategic alliance with Nexus DMC. This collaboration represents a significant evolution in our operational model and is a strategic step toward leveraging Nexus DMC’s innovative technology to amplify and scale our operations,” said Demeter.
“Together with Nexus DMC, we are launching a cutting-edge booking platform designed to deliver a seamless, 24/7 booking experience across all our destinations. This innovation will enhance service delivery, increase efficiency, and support long-term growth for both our business and our partners.”
Nexus DMC's move into the Pacific followed a USD 50m Series A investment secured by its parent company, the ORN Group. The strategic investment was made by a prominent Indian technology group, giving the company an initial valuation of USD 500m.
ORN co-founder and CEO Vinay Gupta, who led the acquisition, said TAG would give the group a strong presence in North America.
"Our smart technology will allow us to help the TAG Group grow its business to Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, simplifying the agent booking process and giving their customers the complete on-ground experience,” said Gupta.
"Through our network, we will work with TAG to grow its suite of products and experiences, helping to increase their Africa, Asia and European programs by building on the distribution network Kirk and his team have spent so many years developing.”
