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
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