Scholarship winner emerges in closest contest yet

Belinda van Tholen of MTA Travel scooped up the prestigious Avis Travel Agent Scholarship last night at an event in Sydney in recognition of her approach to customer service.

Tasmania-based agent van Tholen was selected from five finalists by a panel of judges who met in Sydney yesterday for the final stage of the judging process. She started her own business 18 months ago with MTA after working for Flight Centre for eight years.

Avis travel industry manager Russell Butler said that van Tholen had impressed judges with her commitment to detail when ascertaining her customers’ needs.

“Belinda creates multiple opportunities to interact with her customers and uses the information she gathers to drill down further into what really makes them tick,” he said.

“Armed with that knowledge and insight, she then tailors experiences that exceed expectations.”

However, he spoke highly of all finalists, with this year’s prize the most closely contested in the scholarship’s 19 year history.

“Each of the finalists demonstrated the essential elements required to provide the highest-quality service, including the ability to identify, understand and anticipate their customers’ needs,” he said.

They also showed they could meet their customers’ needs with “clever and creative” solutions.

“We can be very proud of the calibre of the travel agents we have in Australia,” he said.

Among the prizes van Tholen will receive as part of her prize are two Qantas return business class tickets to New York with six days accommodation in Manhattan and seven days’ Avis car rental. In addition, she has been given financial support of up to $8000 to study at Southern Cross University, 12 months of CLIA Australasia membership, tickets to attend Cruise3Sixty and the 2016 National Travel Industry Awards Gala Dinner in Sydney and a Pelonius Resources coaching package.

Butler thanked the major sponsors of the scholarship, with many of them long term supporters.

“Their support is essential to the enduring success of an extraordinary program, which remains as relevant as ever to the Australian travel industry,” he said.

2015 Avis Travel Agent Scholarship finalists: (L-R) Kim Hall (American Express Global Business Travel), Debbie Andrews (MTA Travel), 2015 winner Belinda van Tholen (MTA Travel), Barbara Baron (Southside World Travel) and Jill Rimmer (Phil Hoffmann Travel).

2015 Scholarship winner Belinda van Tholen and Avis Australia VP and Managing Director George Proos

(L-R) Adele Sheers (Qantas), Russell Butler (Avis Australia), Steve Limbrick (Qantas), 2015 Scholarship winner Belinda van Tholen, Rob Harrison (Qantas) and George Proos (Avis).

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2015 winner Belinda van Tholen with Stuart Wiggins, Manager, Academic Programs at The Hotel School Sydney, Southern Cross University

2015 Scholarship winner Belinda van Tholen and Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia General Manager Brett Jardine

The MTA team (L-R): Sally Gorringe (BDM Queensland/WA), Debbie Andrews (2015 finalist), 2015 winner Belinda van Tholen, Bettiann Gain (2012 winner) and and Clare Kearns BDM Vic/Tas).

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The MTA team (L-R): Sally Gorringe (BDM Queensland/WA), Debbie Andrews (2015 finalist), 2015 winner Belinda van Tholen, Bettiann Gain (2012 winner) and and Clare Kearns BDM Vic/Tas).

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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