AMIN strikes travel, accommodation, discount deal for members

The Australian Music Industry Network has struck a deal that will save Australian musicians thousands of dollars when they go on tour.

The deal, with the Travel Beyond Group, offers massive discounts on flights, car hire and accommodation for members of AMIN’s state music associations. These include Queensland’s QMusic, MusicNSW, Music Victoria, MusicSA, WAM (West Australian Music), MusicNT, MusicTas and MusicACT.

In an Australian first, Travel Beyond Group has designed a dedicated travel portal for AMIN members who register to make their bookings through. Musicians can book their entire tour on the portal and will be provided with a detailed itinerary, says AMIN. The first portal will be set up on Music Victoria’s site by next Monday (March 23) as part of its annual membership drive. The other state portals will follow soon after.

The deal includes:

* Savings on Virgin Australia fare classes between 7% – 20%.

* Discounted rates and reduced excess on car hire

* Best rate bookings for groups under 10 in hotels and apartments in Australia and abroad including Quest, Mantra, Oaks, Accor, IHG and Starwood, Crown.

* Discounted Virgin Australia lounge memberships

* Excess Baggage allowances continue with Virgin Australia and Qantas,

* Free wifi and onsite parking at selected hotels and apartments.

“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’s Melbourne-based 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.’’