APT marks 90 years with VIP gala
APT Travel Group marked their 90 year journey from suburban bus line to leading cruise and tour operator a with a glittering gala held at Melbourne Regent Plaza Ballroom on Friday night.
Dancers performing 1920’s style numbers, and stories were shared from ATG owners the McGeary family, as well as television personality Larry Emdur swinging into action as surprise MC for the evening.
Emdur entertained guests including ATG Platinum and Diamond VIP members, ATG owners the McGeary family, Group Managing Director Chris Hall and the company’s executive, and industry and media partners.
Meanwhile APT ambassador and acclaimed chef Luke Nguyen presented the awards during a special ceremony to recognise ATG’s top performing VIP agents for 2016.
APT Travel Group Executive General Manager Sales & Marketing Debra Fox thanked VIP agents and industry partners for their help in making the evening a night to remember.
“It was great to see so many familiar faces, and some new ones, in Melbourne to help us celebrate what is a remarkable milestone,” Fox said.
“We also want congratulate our winning agents. Their passion for sharing our story with their clients continues to make a real difference for us.”
ATG’s Geoff McGeary told the audience it’s key to “know what the customer wants before they do”, and that “persistence and determination alone are all powerful”.
His daughter Lou added, “Tomorrow’s traveller is not only seeking to understand world around them, but to return a better person.
“This company has led the way for nearly a century, with the focus always onthe customer and our people that’s going to continue.”
Among the award winners, Helen Paulus from Geelong Travel was named ATG’s national Highest Selling Consultant 2016, having sold the highest dollar amount of APT and Travelmarvel product in the 2016 calendar year.
The national award for Highest Sales Revenue – Single Location Agency went to Geelong Travel, while the national award for Highest Revenue – Multi-location Agency went to Phil Hoffmann Travel.
The National Award for Highest Sales Revenue for an online agency went to Our Vacation Centre.
ATG Rising Star Awards, which were awarded to agencies who showed outstanding growth in sales in 2016, went to helloworld Mackay (QLD), St Ives Travel (NSW/ACT) Flight Centre Eastland (Vic/Tas) and helloworld Belmont (WA/SA/NT).
Check out all the glamour shots from the night here:
ATG Group MD Chris Hall, Exec GM Global Marketing & Sales Debra Fox, Gala MC Larry Emdur and Commercial Manager REtail Susan Haberle.
The ATG Gala Event
John Williams from Our Vacation Centre -Winner of Highest Sales Revenue 2016
Dancers Puttin on the Ritz
Luke Nguyen with partner Lynne
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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