Being a professional musician in Australia is not easy, but luckily the Australian Music Industry Network (AMIN) are trying to make things just a little bit easier for our musos.
The musician’s advocacy group, who previously negotiated the very well-received Virgin Baggage Allowance deal for its members, have announced a new partnership with the Travel Beyond Group, which could save Aussie musos thousands of dollars a year.
As part of a new preferred supplier deal, Aussie musos can save serious bucks on touring thanks to a dedicated travel portal available to member’s of AMIN’s associated state and territory bodies.
Included in the deal are discounted Virgin Australia fares (domestically and internationally), heavily discounted accommodation rates, and ground requirements, including savings on all Virgin Australia fare classes between 7 percent – 20 percent.
The deal will also cover discounted rates and reduced excess on Car Hire, as well as allowances for multiple drivers, flexible driver age below 25 (over the age of 21 and full licence required).
There will also be an online portal to book hotels and apartments at best rate with a range of brands including Quest, Mantra, Oaks, Accor, IHG, Starwood, Crown, and other boutique properties both in Australia and internationally for groups under 10.
[include_post id=”440916″]
AMIN members will also be able to enjoy discounted Virgin Australia Lounge memberships and free wifi and onsite parking at selected hotels and apartments, while Excess Baggage allowances will continue with Virgin Australia and QANTAS.
“Last year AMIN surveyed its members about what discounts and benefits they would like us to negotiate for them, to complement the excess baggage deal we negotiated with Virgin Australia in 2011,” said AMIN Chair Patrick Donovan.
“Well you asked for it – you got it! After discussion with the key travel companies we are thrilled to partner with Travel Beyond Group as our preferred supplier to cut red tape and costs for touring bands.”
“We are particularly thrilled with the 7% discount off the cheapest Virgin Australia flight prices, which will complement the excess baggage discounts and encourage Australian bands to tour more often.”
“Travel Beyond Group are delighted to be selected as the preferred travel partner of AMIN,” said Wonitta Atkins, Business Solutions Manager for the Travel Beyond Group.
“The portal is simple to use and offers a travel solution not seen previously in the music industry. We are really excited to be a part of this ‘game changer’ for the industry and look forward to continuing to support local music.”
[include_post id=”434718″]
Far from charity, this deal is sure to be a boon for the brand involved as well. As Tone Deaf reported yesterday, AMIN recently unveiled a survey of its members, detailing many of the financial hardships they face.
It was no surprise to find that the airline that the majority of AMIN’s member prefer to fly with is Virgin Australia, with the baggage allowance cited as the primary reason why 60 percent of members chose to fly with Virgin.
The first portal on the Music Victoria site will be set up by 23rd March for its annual membership drive, and the other state portals are set to roll out soon afterwards. MusicNSW will inform Members once their portal has been established.
MusicNSW members will use their Community Membership number to access the portal where all available fares can be seen, so the best available deals can be bought. Musicians can book their entire tour via the portal and will be provided with a detailed itinerary.
Readers can check out all the details via the official Australian Music Industry Network website.
