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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]
Webjet 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 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, completing the acquisition by September 2014. [13]
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. [14]
On 9 November 2016, Webjet announced the sale of Zuji for $56 million, doubling its investment. [15]
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 reacquired the rights to Webjet.com, with the remaining brand and operations transitioning over to 'Flyus.com'. [16]
In August 2017, Webjet announced the purchase of UK-based Jac Travel (who in turn had acquired its rival Totalstay in 2015). [17]
In March 2021, Webjet announced an investment in LockTrip. [18]
In September 2024, Webjet Limited demerged, creating two independent companies: Web Travel Group and Webjet Group. [19]
