Established in 1998, Webjet is an online travel agency in Australia and New Zealand.
Online Republic
Webjet acquired the online travel booking group, Online Republic, in May 2016 for $NZ85 million. Online Republic is a global e-commerce group based in New Zealand.
WebBeds
WebBeds is Webjet’s B2B travel provider brand, established in February 2013. WebBeds currently operates under the brands Lots of Hotels, Sunhotels, Fit Ruums, JacTravel Totalstay and DOTW.
Lots of Hotels
The WebBeds business launched with the establishment of Lots of Hotels in Dubai, during late 2013. In November 2015, Lots of Hotels North America was launched.
Webjet acquired European online hotel provider Sunhotels in September 2014. In August 2016, it was announced Sunhotels was set to assume control of over 3,000 hotel contracts owned by European tour operating group, Thomas Cook. The transition of this partnership deal is expected to be complete by January 2019.
Launched in November 2016, FIT Ruums focuses on B2B travel distribution for worldwide hotel accommodation and transfers in Asia. FIT Ruums has offices in Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Indonesia, Taiwan, Malaysia, India, Thailand, China and Japan.
JacTravel
Acquired in September 2017, JacTravel is a global hotel accommodation supplier, specialising in inbound group travel services to the United Kingdom, Ireland and Europe. JacTravel is headquartered in London and has offices throughout the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and North America.
Totalstay
Previously known as Exclusively Hotels, Totalstay.com was launched in Europe in 2006. Totalstay is a hotel booking tool for travel agents.
History
Webjet was established by former Jetset Travel Chief Executive David Clarke, Allan Nahum and John Lemish in 1998. The company was publicly listed on the ASX in 2000 through a reverse takeover deal with Roper River Resources NL.Webjet#cite note-8| Roper River Resources NL became Webjet NL on 18 April 2000 and was later changed to Webjet Limited on 15 June 2000. On 31 May 2001, Webjet became 100% automated, allowing customers to fully complete their bookings online. Webjet launched a WAP website in May 2002 for mobile phones and offering SMS customer support. In December 2008, Webjet launched a website for customers in the United Kingdom. In April 2010, Webjet commenced operations in North America through a joint venture with Mathias Friess, formerly General Manager Global Sales and Distribution of Virgin Australia, and Head of Sales North America for Lufthansa. Webjet entered into a joint venture with Westminster Travel in Asia to initially cover the establishment of Webjet in Singapore and Hong Kong. This was followed by the launch of Webjet in Canada in December 2010. In February 2011, John Guscic was appointed as Webjet’s Managing Director, after serving on the Webjet board since 2003. In the same month, Webjet launched Lots of Hotels. In April 2012, Webjet signed as a major sponsor of the Melbourne Football Club, with players sporting the Webjet.com.au logo on the front of their club guernseys less than 24 hours after the deal was struck. In the same month, Webjet also partnered with Australian loyalty program flybuys. In July 2012, Webjet entered into its first international franchise agreement with BidTravel in South Africa. In March 2013, Webjet acquired Zuji in Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore from Travelocity for $25 million. In November 2013, Webjet signed a two-year deal as the principal sponsor of Sydney Thunder for the 2012/203 and 2013/2014 seasons. In February 2014, Webjet and Sydney FC agreed to a new major commercial partnership which renewed their status as the principal partner of the team since the beginning of the 2012/2013 Hyundai A-League season. Webjet entered into a binding Heads of Agreement to acquire the SunHotels Group in Europe, and was fully acquired by September 2014. In February 2015, Webjet began accepting Bitcoin on holiday package bookings, making it one of the first Australian retailers to accept the electronic currency in their payment process. In May 2016, Webjet formally disclosed its acquisition of former rival Online Republic through the airing of a video in national TV, showing the Airport Rentals brand. On 9 November 2016, Webjet announced the sale of Zuji for $56 million, doubling its investment. In June 2017, Webjet announced the conclusion of its joint venture with Mathias Friess, by selling its remaining interest in Webjet in North America. Webjet re-acquired the rights to Webjet.com, with the remaining brand and operations transitioning over to ‘Flyus.com’. In August 2017, Webjet announced the purchase of UK-based Jac Travel. In November 2018, Webjet acquired Destinations of the World group, which was founded in 1991.
