How to win the Avis Travel Agent Scholarship: Five tips from past winners

How to win the Avis Travel Agent Scholarship: Five tips from past winners

In case you haven’t already heard, applications for the prestigious Avis Travel Agent Scholarship are now open for 2019.

Celebrating its 23rd year, the scholarship is designed to encourage, recognise and reward outstanding customer service in the Australian and New Zealand travel industries.

To help Aussie travel agents pull together the best application, Travel Weekly spoke to past winners Jo Patton (2019 and pictured above), Michelle Ashcroft (2003) and Robyn Sinfield (1997) to get their advice on what gives an application that winning edge.

Together, they came up with five top tips:

1. Don’t focus on winning

This is an outcome. Focus on analysing what you do for your clients that keeps them coming back and present this clearly and confidently. Give great examples and personal anecdotes where possible.

2. Read the questions carefully!

Many strong applicants who haven’t made the finals often don’t answer the question they are being asked. Make sure you take your time and read the question to ensure that you have completely understood what it is asking.

3. Showcase your values and style

What are your values and how do you bring these forward in your engagement with your clients? How do you stay ahead of the curve in an ever-changing industry? Ensure to showcase your personal style and what you bring to the table to create amazing experiences for your customers.

4. Demonstrate your passion

Show your passion for your business and your clients in your answers and seek guidance and advice from your colleagues/managers. Have someone you trust read your application and give you feedback before you submit.

5. Enjoy the process

It is incredibly rewarding to review and acknowledge what you do day in, day out, and the care and responsibility you show for your customers.


Agents have until Monday 23 September 2019 to apply for the scholarship, with finalists to be announced on Thursday 10 October.

Finalists will then have the opportunity to travel to Sydney, where they will present to the judging panel ahead of the winner announcement at the Awards Gala Dinner on Wednesday 13 November.

For more info and/or to apply, click here.

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