New Tech Startup Aims to Make Travel Agents Redundant

Two former Luxury Escapes executives have teamed up to disrupt the travel industry, launching an all-in-one holiday booking platform they hope will make travel agents redundant.

Cameron Holland and David Gold cofounded a platform called Awai.

Mr Holland said the pair were inspired to start the company after they were shocked by how many Australians still booked travel through agents. They have so far raised several million dollars in capital, and hired staff.

In a government pre-budget submission in 2021, the Australian Federation of Travel Agents said 70 per cent of travel was still booked through travel agents. A survey from Finder in 2022 also found that one in five Australians were more likely to use a travel agent post-pandemic than they were before COVID-19.

“[I thought] what is it about a travel agent experience that’s solving a problem that the digital realm still can’t,” he told The Australian Financial Review.

Awai lets Australian travellers book flights, accommodation and insurance from one platform. It also intends to expand into restaurant and experiences bookings.

- CyberBeat