NTIA 2024 recognise outstanding contributions from Australian tourism industry

The 2024 National Travel Industry Awards (NTIA) were held on 26th October with the sold-out event at ICC Sydney bringing together the Australian tourism industry’s finest to celebrate distinction, reliability and creativity.

This year’s winners were selected through the most rigorous NTIA judging process yet with every award category strongly contested.

Tom Manwaring was awarded ATIA’s distinguished Life Membership for his dedication to tourism and his contribution to ATIA during his 10 years on the Board, six of which were as Chair as well as 55 years in the industry (31 with airlines and 24 with travel agencies).

ATIA Chair Christian Hunter enthused “It’s been a big weekend with Friday’s Beyond Borders Summit and Saturday’s NTIAs and ATIA is delighted to bring our sector together as the peak industry body to celebrate excellence and lead discussions on the evolution of Travel in this country.

“As Chair of this organisation since December 2018, Tom Manwaring has overseen some of the most significant reforms in this organisation’s history. Tom’s legacy isn’t just one of strategic leadership and reform. It’s about the way he has led with integrity, a clear vision and always with a commitment to ensuring the best outcomes for our members. Tom is rightly considered a legend of the Australian Travel Industry, and this recognition as a Life Member is a reflection of a professional lifetime of contribution.”

Manwaring shared “serving as Chair of this great Association has been one of the true honours of my life. In 2018, I took on the role of Chair, following Mike Thompson’s retirement, a great guy and someone I’d like to acknowledge today.

“This organisation has broadened my thinking, and given me friends for life. To be recognised as a Life Member is a tremendous honour.”

ATIA CEO Dean Long added “we are immensely proud of all of the Winners, whose outstanding contributions have driven the sector forward and continue to do so. Congratulations on being rightly recognised for excellence in Travel and for setting the bar for us all.

“A special shoutout to Singapore Airlines for making this recognition and event possible. It was wonderful to see the industry come together to celebrate not only individual achievements but also the bright future of Travel ahead. We’re looking forward to seeing what’s next for Travel.”

NTIA 2025 will be held in Brisbane on 18th October.

2024 NTIA Winners

Most Outstanding Mobile / Home Based Travel Advisor
Winner: Donna Jones — Mobile Travel Agents (MTA)

Most Outstanding Travel Agency Manager
Winner: Rosie Loxley — Flight Centre

Most Outstanding Travel Consultant Corporate
Winner: Jaime McLeod — Mobilise Travel

Most Outstanding Travel Consultant Leisure
Winner: Emma Smith — Back Track Adventures

Rookie of the Year
Winner: Rachel Horsburgh — RACQ Travel

Most Outstanding Sales Executive — Air
Winner: Richard Carrick — United Airlines

Most Outstanding Sales Executive — Cruise
Winner: Barbara Baron — APT Group

Most Outstanding Sales Executive — Tour Operator
Winner: Carla Dabit — The Travel Corporation (TTC Tour Brands)

Most Outstanding Sales Executive — Wholesaler
Winner: Jackie Gordon — Viva Holidays, ReadyRooms, Cruiseco

Most Outstanding Sales Executive — Hotels / Car Hire
Winner: Bianca Phillis — IHG Hotels & Resorts

Most Outstanding Consumer Travel Journalist
Winner: Jessica Lockhart

Most Outstanding Employee Engagement and Recruitment Program
Winner: Phil Hoffmann Travel

Most Outstanding Online Travel Agency
Winner: Luxury Escapes

Most Outstanding Business Events Travel Agency
Winner: The Incentive Lab

Most Outstanding Australian-Owned Travel Management Company
Winner: Spencer Travel

Most Outstanding Global Travel Management Company
Winner: ATPI

Most Outstanding Leisure Travel Agency — Single Location
Winner: Planetdwellers Travel Tours & Events

Most Outstanding Leisure Travel Agency — Single Location
Winner: Frank Ford Travel

Most Outstanding Leisure Travel Agency — Multi Location
Winner: Bicton Travel

Sustainability Award — ATAS Accredited Agency
Winner: Reho Travel

Most Outstanding Mobile Advisor Network
Winner: TravelManagers Australia

Most Outstanding  Branded Travel Agency Group
Winner: Travel Associates

Most Outstanding Travel Agency Network
Winner: Travellers Choice

Most Outstanding Tour Operator — Specialised
Winner: Albatross Tours

Most Outstanding Tour Operator — Global
Winner: Intrepid

Most Outstanding Wholesaler — Product / Service
Winner: Viva Holidays

Most Outstanding Wholesaler — Destination / Experience
Winner: Adventure World

Most Outstanding Wholesaler — Destination / Experience
Winner: Sno’n’Ski

Most Popular Tourism Office
Winner: Tourism New Zealand | Manaakitanga Aotearoa

Most Popular Accommodation Group / Chain
Winner: Club Med

Most Popular Airline — Online
Winner: Singapore Airlines

Most Popular Airline — Offline
Winner: Lufthansa Group

Most Popular Ocean Cruise Operator
Winner: Viking

Most Popular River Cruise Operator
Winner: Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Most Popular Car Rental Operator
Winner: Avis

Most Outstanding Travel Industry Training Institution
Winner: Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)

Sustainability Award — Supplier
Winner: Lindblad Expeditions National Geographic

Innovation in Travel Support Services
Winner: SmartRefunds — Air Tickets

Most Outstanding Marketing Campaign
Winner: Trafalgar Unlocked — Trafalgar Tours

People’s Choice Award
Winner: JC Travel Professionals