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Industry | Travel |
---|---|
Founded | 1998 |
Founder | David Clarke, John Lemish, Allan Nahum |
Headquarters | , |
Services | Travel Booking |
Webjet was established by former Jetset Travel (now Helloworld Travel) Chief Executive David Clarke, Allan Nahum and John Lemish in 1998.[1]
The company was publicly listed on the ASX in 2000 through a reverse takeover deal with Roper River Resources NL.[2] 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.[3]
In April 2010, Webjet Limited commenced operations in North America through a joint venture with Mathias Friess, formerly General Manager of Global Sales and Distribution of Virgin Australia, and Head of Sales North America for Lufthansa.[4]
In February 2011, John Guscic was appointed as Webjet's Managing Director, after serving on the Webjet board since 2003.[5]
In April 2012, Webjet OTA signed as a major sponsor of the Melbourne Football Club, with players sporting the Webjet.com.au logo on the front of their club jerseys less than 24 hours after the deal was struck.[6] In the same month, Webjet also partnered with Australian loyalty program flybuys.[7]
In July 2012, Webjet entered into its first international franchise agreement with BidTravel in South Africa.[8]
In March 2013, Webjet acquired Zuji in Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore from Travelocity for $25 million.[9][10]
In November 2013, Webjet signed a two-year deal as the principal sponsor of Sydney Thunder for the 2012–2013 and 2013–2014 seasons.[11]
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.[12] Webjet entered into a binding Heads of Agreement to acquire the SunHotels Group in Europe,[13] and was fully acquired by September 2014.[14]
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.[15]
On 9 November 2016, Webjet announced the sale of Zuji for $56 million, doubling its investment.[16]
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'.[17]
In August 2017, Webjet announced the purchase of UK-based Jac Travel (who in turn had acquired its rival Totalstay in 2015).[18]
In March 2021, Webjet announced an investment in LockTrip.[19]
In September 2024, Webjet Limited demerged, creating two independent companies: Web Travel Group and Webjet Group.[20]