Industry celebrated at glittering NTIA bash
More than 1300 industry members gathered at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion in Moore Park on Saturday for the annual National Travel Industry Awards (NTIA), as Australian Federation of Travel Agents chief executive Jayson Westbury paid tribute to an industry that is “powering forward”.
The event saw a record 34 travel industry individuals and groups named number one in their respective categories.
Helloworld was named Best Travel Agency Group, with Bicton Travel awarded Best Travel Agency Retail – Single Location and Best Travel Agency Corporate – Multi Location going to The Travel Authority.
Entertainment came in the form of dance group Swagamama and energetic Australian superstar, Timomatic, who had the crowd on their feet at just 7pm with many breaking out a few moves before dinner had even been served.
Westbury described the evening as a “true reflection of the camaraderie, strength and commitment of the people who make up the Australian travel industry”.
“The fact that these awards have attracted such a diverse range of travel intermediaries and individuals demonstrates the skill and expertise within the industry and the competitive nature and passion of its participants vying for the award,” he said.
“The Australian travel industry is powering forward, and the willingness of these travel professionals to adapt, innovate and continuously grow with the times is a strong reminder of this. Congratulations to all finalists and winners.”
For the second year in a row, the event was hosted by Australian actor, author and TV personality, Andrew Daddo with Qantas once again the major sponsor.
Here's a full list of the winners:
Best Travel Agency Group (100 outlets or more)
Helloworld Limited
Sponsor: Qantas Airways
Best Travel Agency Retail – Single Location
Bicton Travel
Sponsor: Singapore Airlines
Best Travel Agency Retail – Multi Location
Helloworld Hunter Travel Group
Sponsor: Qantas Airways
Best Travel Agency Corporate – Single Location
Goldman Travel
Sponsor: Qantas Airways
Best Travel Agency Corporate – Multi Location
The Travel Authority
Sponsor: AVIS
Best National Travel Management Company
Corporate Travel Management
Sponsor: Qantas Airways
Best Business Events Travel Agency
cievents
Sponsor: Amadeus
Best Travel Consultant – Retail
Sophie Brooks, Harvey World Travel Lane Cove, NSW
Sponsor: Cover-More Travel Insurance
Best Travel Consultant – Corporate
Ric Pattaro, TravelManagers, NSW
Sponsor: AVIS
Best Travel Agency Manager – Retail
Michelle McNamara, Phil Hoffmann Travel, SA
Sponsor: Virgin Australia
Best Travel Agency Manager – Corporate
Shelley Leven, Corporate Travel Management, QLD
Sponsor: Virgin Australia
Rookie of the Year Agent
Bridgit Little, Globenet Travel, QLD
Sponsor: Travelport
Best Niche Wholesaler
Back-Roads Touring
Sponsor: South African Tourism
Best Domestic Airline
Qantas Airways
Sponsor: Air Tickets
Best International Airline – On-Line
Emirates
Sponsor: The Travel Corporation
Best International Airline – Off-Line
Finnair
Sponsor: Consolidated Travel
Best Cruise Operator – Australian Based Operation
Royal Caribbean
Sponsor: AA Appointments
Best Cruise Operator – International Based Operation
APT
Sponsor: Gow-Gates Insurance Brokers
Best Tour Operator – Domestic
APT
Sponsor: Royal Caribbean International
Best Tour Operator – International
APT
Sponsor: Royal Caribbean International
Best Car/Campervan Rental Operator
Hertz
Sponsor: Expedia
Best Tourist Office – National
Tourism Victoria
Sponsor: Cover-More Travel Insurance
Best Tourist Office – International
Tourism New Zealand
Sponsor: Global Blue
Best Wholesaler – Australian Product
Infinity Holidays
Sponsor: Accor
Best Wholesaler – International Product
Infinity Holidays
Sponsor: AA Appointments
Best Agency Support Service
Air Tickets
Sponsor: The Travel Doctor – TMVC
Best Sales Executive – Industry Supplier
Tomas Malmberg, Insight Vacations, QLD
Sponsor: World Leading Cruise Lines
Rookie of the Year – Supplier
Andrea Morgan, G Adventures, NSW
Sponsor: Greece and Mediterranean Travel
Best Hotel/Resort – Australian Property
Qualia
Sponsor: Sabre Pacific
Best Hotel/Resort Group
Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts
Sponsor: Expedia
Best Registered Travel Industry Training Institution
Sydney TAFE -Travel & Tourism
Sponsor: Travel Trade Recruitment
Best Travel Writer
Kerry van der Jagt
Sponsor: World Leading Cruise Lines
Best Travel Agent Technology Innovation
Travelport Merchandising Platform – Travelport
Sponsor: Qantas Credit Union
Emirates Travel Consultant Scholarship
Rane Reguson, Jetsetter Travel, QLD
Sponsor: Emirates
Latest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!