House of Travel has flagged plans to grow its bricks and mortar footprint as the retail chain talks up a strong start to 2026, and a bullish outlook for both the company, and the market sector.
“…it’s absolutely gone off like a frog in a sock at the start of Feb,” HoT ceo Dave Coombes told those at last night’s supplier event in Auckland.
“…it’s been really busy as far as we can tell and what we hear from everybody around the [room].”
Coombes, who noted that HoT was on track for a record result for the current financial year, said leisure travel is absolutely holding up. “As we all know, leisure travel is not discretionary for Kiwis, it’s compulsory, and they continue to travel.”
HoT is a year into its three-year strategic plan and Coombes re- affirmed the company’s commitment to adding more bricks and mortar stores.
“In this country, in this business, we know the quality revenue comes through store, and through people, and through physical relationships, to community relationships—and we will continue to do that.”
Coombes later said that the brand has plans to grow HoT’s Kiwi store footprint in the near future. Working closely with HoT’s partners is also key to growing its store numbers—and quality business,” he added.
. . . Changing Trends
Coombes also noted some changing Kiwi travel demand trends for 2026.
“If you are somehow exposed to the North American market, that’s not a great place to be, and we understand that…but the travel’s not going away, it’s just pivoting to other destinations. And you know, these things happen in travel, and they’ll continue to come back.”
. . . Growth
House of Travel’s corporate business has had a record year, and continues to grow, Coombes said last night. At the same time, he highlighted that the company is also seeing ‘real growth’ in its broker businesses.
