Kuoni Tumlare has strengthened its global reach by bringing its Sydney and Auckland offices into full alignment with its international network.
The expansion arrives at a critical juncture; as the Middle East conflict disrupts established travel patterns, the DMC is pivoting resources toward Oceania to meet growing demand for stability and logistical certainty.
This integration, part of Phase Two of Kuoni Tumlare’s growth plan, sees the full absorption of parent company JTB’s destination management offices in Australia and New Zealand. By bringing these teams into the global fold, the DMC leverages a regional legacy dating back to 1962 in Australia and 1998 in New Zealand.
Reto Kaufmann, chief marketing officer and senior vice president for South & South-east Asia and the Middle East, told TTGmice that the expansion is a direct response to a “clear client preference” for a single, end-to-end service provider.
“Beyond any short-term developments, it was important for us to ensure that we can continue to host our clients’ business with the same level of quality and service beyond our traditional core regions in Europe,” Kaufmann said.
As Middle East tensions complicate longhaul travel from Asia to Europe and vice versa, Kaufmann indicated there is a clear “uplift in demand” for alternative destinations. For example, Japan remains a dominant force for the remainder of 2026, supported by a favourable exchange rate and strong connectivity. Meanwhile, Australia and New Zealand are seeing increased interest from corporate incentive groups looking for stability and seasonal appeal.
Despite higher fuel prices, Kaufmann dismissed the idea of a return to the era of virtual-only meetings.
“Face-to-face interaction remains essential. For programmes already committed, corporates are generally proceeding as scheduled, even if it means stretching budgets to accommodate higher costs. These trips are seen as vital investments in employee engagement,” Kaufmann opined.
To mitigate rising costs, Kaufmann identifies two primary client strategies: regional re-routing toward short- and mid-haul destinations within APAC and Oceania to reduce fuel surcharges, and logistical optimisation for European travel, which leverages Kuoni’s scale and long-standing supplier relationships to incorporate rail solutions and secondary city hubs.
“Europe remains a core destination for our Asian client base, with consistently strong demand and proven revenue potential, and our objective is to support our partners in maintaining momentum in this important region,” he stated.
While owned offices in Australia and New Zealand provide a physical anchor, Kuoni Tumlare is also proactively expanding its Global Affiliate Programme. Launched in the wake of the pandemic, the programme has become a vital expansion pillar, particularly in fast-moving markets such as Singapore and Malaysia.
The programme operates on an invitation-only basis, selecting local DMCs to act as exclusive representatives. According to Kaufmann, the benefits are mutual. Local partners gain access to a global sales engine, while Kuoni Tumlare gains deep, on-the-ground expertise without the overhead of a full-service office.
Overall, Kaufmann remains optimistic about the sector’s ability to weather the current storm.
“I have seen many crises come and go. Each brings its own challenges, but also valuable learnings. For the MICE industry, resilience has always been a defining characteristic. History shows that our industry adapts quickly and recovers strongly,” he concluded.
