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Following a challenging 18 months for the travel industry, Webjet Australia and Webjet New Zealand have won a slew of awards that recognise its Sustainable Traveller program as well as the business’ innovative approach to resolving a customer-facing issue resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Taking home three awards at this year’s World Travel Awards, Webjet Australia was named the country’s Leading Online Travel Agency 2021, and Webjet New Zealand was awarded the same within its local market. Webjet Australia was also named the inaugural winner of the Oceania’s Leading Online Travel Agency 2021 award, a new category to this year’s acknowledgements.
Two more award wins were secured in the Australian Business Awards 2021, in which Webjet Australia was named ABA100 Winners in both Business Innovation and Business Sustainability.
Webjet received its Business Innovation acknowledgement for successfully navigating the unprecedented challenges created by COVID-19. The focus of the award submission was the business response to automate and create self-service functionality for Webjet customers needing to cancel their bookings as a result of border closures and travel restrictions. This project was successful in that it eased consumer anxiety and lessened pressure on Customer Service resources. It was noted in the award submissions as a game-changer for Webjet during that time. 
The Business Sustainability award was given in recognition of Webjet’s industry-leading Sustainable Traveller program. Launched in September 2020, Sustainable Traveller allows Webjet customers to offset the carbon emissions of their flight by making a financial contribution to verified environmental projects, including a local fire abatement effort in Arnhem Land. On a global scale, contributions from Sustainable Traveller help directly support projects that protect ancient rainforests in Peru, strengthen renewable energy work in Asia, and distribute efficient cookstoves in Malawi. The latter has already been provided to more than 100,000 families.
Speaking about the five awards wins, Webjet OTA CEO David Galt says, “Much like our peers throughout the travel industry, Webjet has experienced a tough 18 months and so it is incredibly meaningful to have the entire business’ hard work be recognised on a national and international level. These awards recognise the tenacity, resilience, and determination of our incredible team. I am exceedingly proud of how our people have pulled together, and of the innovative and considered approaches taken to overcome the challenges presented by the pandemic.
“We are all now looking forward to when Australians and New Zealanders are able to travel again, and when local tourism industries can welcome back international visitors. When the time is right, Webjet will be right there to help make our customers’ travel dreams happen.”
For more information about Webjet, please visit webjet.com.au or webjet.co.nz.