TravelManagers wraps up ‘best conference yet’ and reveals 2025 location
TravelManagers’ annual conference concluded in Cairns on Saturday evening with a gala awards dinner. Executive general manager, Michael Gazal, described this year’s conference as its biggest and most successful ever.
“Despite their demanding workloads, almost half of our total network of personal travel managers (PTMs) have invested in their future businesses by coming to Cairns this year, along with more than 140 supplier and media partners.”
Louise McCarthy, from Castle Hill, Sydney, was among those with something to celebrate on Saturday night being named ‘Personal Travel Manager of the Year’ for 2023/24. The coveted PTM Choice Award, which is awarded by PTM votes, went to Rachael Portelli from Aberfeldie, Victoria, in recognition of her professionalism and dedication to upholding TravelManagers’ brand and values.
Gazal says the new award categories introduced this year were a reflection of the brand’s tradition of celebrating both its culture and its commercial success.
“The inaugural recipient of the Above and Beyond Award, PTM Nicole Cocks (from Samford, Queensland), is the epitome of a TravelManagers PTM who goes above and beyond to assist colleagues and clients dealing with challenging circumstances,” he explained. “She received the award for her exceptional service and selflessness in a situation that, without her quiet intervention, could have destroyed a client’s milestone family holiday.”
PTM Maria Miller, who is based in Parkes, NSW, was this year’s recipient of the Barry Mayo Spirit Award which, as Gazal explained, is presented each year to someone whose everyday attitude has helped in developing, maintaining and enhancing TravelManagers’ unique culture.
“Maria joined TravelManagers in 2008, and her strong connections across the network are a direct result of her willingness to lend a hand or an ear to any fellow PTMs in need of support and assistance.”
During the lead-up to the awards ceremony, conference participants attended trade shows and presentations from more than 80 partner suppliers. The conference theme of ‘Working Smarter’ was integrated into a series of plenary sessions and workshops that covered a variety of topics, including recent technology innovations that PTMs can integrate into their business operations to enhance productivity and inform their decision-making.
The opening address was delivered by internationally accredited practitioner in mindfulness and meditation, Chelsea Pottenger. In a change of format from the usual closing address, the conference wrapped with a Q&A session with Olympic champion and national treasure, Cathy Freeman OAM.
The conference concluded on Saturday afternoon with an important announcement.
“The location of the following year’s National Conference is traditionally a closely kept secret until the conclusion of the current event,” Gazal said. “The news that we are heading to Bali in September 2025 created the perfect buzz on which to finish.”
The conference will be held mid-week, offering attendees the chance the enjoy a long weekend, either side of the event.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Latest News
Iconic Perth waterfront redevelopment moves to next phase
Plans for an iconic waterfront precinct have taken another step forward today, with the State Government to undergo Project Definition Phase planning for the redevelopment of the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC). The proposed redevelopment would transform Perth’s waterfront and create a long-term economic boost for Western Australia, unlocking a new pipeline of construction […]
Civil penalties for airlines not using allocated slots under Albanese Government slot reform
Rex and Bonza are rolling in their proverbial graves right now...
WTTC Global Leaders’ Dialogue yields strategic insights for future of travel & tourism
When the big wigs hit centre stage it's time to listen, or in our case, start typing, feverously.
ATIA unveils finalists for the 2024 National Travel Industry Awards People’s Choice Award
We don't like picking favourites, so we are glad that someone else has this difficult job.
TADA launches in Melbourne to celebrate travel agents’ vital role
We're wondering if they got all the experts in the room first then open the door, and unveil the gathering with 'Ta-da'.
Perth welcomes tourism experts to the opening of The World Travel & Tourism Council summit
Perth gets big brownie points for scoring this summit, and the city is shining at its very best at the moment.
Qantas to help get Australians home from Lebanon with Cyprus flights
Free flights on Qantas Boeing 787 are able to bring home up to 440 Australians stuck in Lebanon.
Hotel, flight bookings spike as fans head to grand finals, aka Katy Perry and Kid Laroi concerts
Three-peat was pushing it, and four-peat would be just ridiculous. We are talking of the made-up word, not the stat.
Silversea announces development of the southernmost hotel on earth
Staying at this hotel is going to be absolutely terrifying if you are a flat earther!
Guests as Phuket’s Trisara Resort set to experience two nights of culinary excellence
Don't let this white sandy beach fool you, there's serious foodie stuff happening at Trisara Resort this month.
Visit Qatar launches a new global campaign
As Qatar prepares to take 25% of Virgin, it's also bumping up it's tourism messaging. Coincidence? We think not...
Phu Quoc goes visa free to meet MICE tourism boom
This Vietnamese island has just made organising your next work event overseas a lot easier, and so have we... By proxy.
Women in Travel: Flight Centre’s Monique Van Gelder on not taking the easy road
Lessons can be learnt from mistakes... They can also be learnt by listening to industry guns like Monique Van Gelder!
Klook Travel Fest touches down at Sydney’s Carriageworks
You know if something's theme is in the vein of a video game from the 80's it's going to be a blast. We're serious!
Bali hotel development ban set for October
Bali has said enough is enough. But they're not talking about drunk Aussies for once, surprisingly.
White Bay Cruise Terminal to become first in Southern Hemisphere to offer shore power
Things are going green in Sydney Harbour. But it's not the colour of the water we are talking about.
Uplifting messages shared at G Adventures Tourism Summit in Jaipur
Travel has the power to transform communities, lift people out of poverty and give women independence. There were among the important messages coming out of GX India: World Community Tourism Summit which wrapped up in Jaipur on Friday. Among the special guests at the summit, which is set for Jordan in 2025, were Lonely Planet […]
Taiwan Tourism finishes Australian roadshow as visitor numbers surge
We do love a good roadshow! It's one of the best ways to learn about a destination, aside from actually visiting it.
Melbourne Airport unveils plans for major entertainment, leisure and retail precinct
Melbourne Airport's going all in on fun in Tullamarine, joining the laidback surfers at the wavepool. Shaka's all round!
The top off-grid locations in Japan
We don't care about the practicalities, we want a big square hole in our wall and we want it now.
ATIA announces Afterpay as the major sponsor for the Beyond Borders Travel Summit
We wonder if Afterpay uses Afterpay to pay their sponsorship fees? That is the question.
Uber to add kerbside pickup to Sydney International Airport despite taxi strikes
Can verify that, after a 26-hour flight from England, searching for the 'pick-up zone' is hell on earth.
Qantas soon to open enhanced Broome Regional Lounge
Why is it that the stock images before something has been built always look like something from Paranormal Activity?
Bookings now open for Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre
If you're looking for a large waterfront venue then your answer may lie in Geelong.
Veriu Group’s Punthill Sunshine ready to welcome its first guests
When we lived down the road from Sunshine, liveability was not in the lexicon. Glad it is on the rise now though.
Business Events Victoria encourages applications for regional business events funding
A government grant always makes a conference a lot better!
Australian Tourism and Hospitality Skills Symposium set for Brisbane in November
First up, the Government needs to open the gates to more OS students with work visas so they can work in hospitality.
WTTC announces final line-up for 24th Global Summit in Perth
We wonder who will be running the travel world when all the leaders are in Perth next month. See you there?
Brisbane’s Calile and Hobart’s Tasman make global top 50 hotel awards list
Melbourne and Sydney look enviously on as Tassie and Brisvegas have their time in the sun.
Skroo weighs in on surging domestic airfares as footy fans set to be hit in hip-pocket
Flight Centre's data is compiled from thousands of flights every month, so we're taking Skroo's word on this!
New community tourism projects in India announced ahead of GX Summit
Travel Weekly is looking forward to reporting all about the GX World Community Tourism from Jaipur. We're excited.
TAG preferred travel partner for the 2024 World Business Forum in Sydney
The mullet has long gone, but he is still welcome in Australia.
Registrations open for Business Events Industry Aotearoa conference in Taranaki
This is the peak Business Events Industry event, being held by a magnificent New Zealand peak. How appropriate.
Highlights of CAPA Airline Leader Summit Australia Pacific
What do you get when you put a bunch of aviation workers in a conference centre? Lots of breaking news!
IHG Hotels & Resorts to present ‘The Mind Lobby’ at SXSW Sydney as major partner
Got what it takes to step into the Mind Lobby? We're not sure what it entails but we're guessing escape room.
The Catering Club launches new catering service for Sydney’s thriving events market
Can't pick your favourite out of this stunning gallery? You'll have to order them all!