Travel is back, and with it, a huge opportunity for brands to connect with consumers through strategic partnerships. But for a global brand like Flight Centre, how do you successfully enter the affiliate channel and build a program that’s not just good, but best-in-class? The Flight Centre team partnered with Partnerize to do just that, and their journey is a masterclass in how to launch a scalable, results-driven affiliate program.
The Challenge
When Flight Centre first entered the affiliate space in July 2023, their goal was straightforward: increase online bookings in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada by working with a small group of around 10 partners.
The Solution
With the support of Partnerize, Flight Centre quickly expanded its partner portfolio, growing from just 10 to nearly 100 strategic partners. They diversified their partner types, leveraging cashback sites for initial revenue and then reinvesting those returns into premium content placements to build brand equity. The team also strategically tested content partners in destination-based sales campaigns and implemented dynamic reward structures to incentivize performance across various travel categories like flights, hotels, and car rentals.
The Results
Flight Centre’s thoughtful and strategic approach set a new standard for affiliate programs in the travel industry. By combining smart partner recruitment, performance-focused commissioning, and creative innovation, they proved that a strong, scalable affiliate program is the key to unlocking new levels of growth.
Want to learn more about how they did it? Check out the full case study right here.