Both Flight Centre and Expedia have responded positively to the ACCC’s decision to not oppose the merger of Jetset Travelworld Group (JTG) with Stella Travel Services.

“The merger is good news for the Australian travel industry, and should further encourage healthy competition in the travel market,” Expedia Asia Pacific managing director Dan Lynn told e-Travel Blackboard.

“It also augurs well for an end to the excessive booking fees being charged by certain players in the industry, and should encourage other travel companies to put the traveller first and deliver better value to Australians.”

Flight Centre, who claimed not to have opposed the merger were “not surprised by the ACCC's decision”, a Flight Centre spokesperson told e-Travel Blackboard.

“We wish them well as they embark on what will be a sizable and challenging integration.”

The spokesperson added they did not anticipate any major impacts to their business as “franchisees have always competed vigorously at local level and I'm sure they will continue to do so”.