Geelong Travel wins big at annual awards

GEELONG Travel have taken out the top gong at annual APT Travel Group awards, receiving the crown of Top Performing Travel Agency across Victoria and Tasmania for 2024.

The Belmont business, led by Stuart Coffield was recognised for its delivery of APT travel experiences.

Mr Coffield said Geelong Travel’s partnership with the APT Travel Group, which includes Travelmarvel, Captain Choice and Botanic, had been highly successful.

“They are Australian-owned, with their office in Melbourne, and we are a locally-owned family business, so we partner up very well,” he said.

“We’re a personalised family business that helps people have life-changing experiences of travel. As I always say, you only live once.”

APT Travel Group chief executive officer David Cox said Geelong Travel have been a fantastic partner of APT for many years.

“This award is a testament to their dedication to delivering incredible APT travel experiences and the strong partnership we’ve built together,”he said.

“We’re proud to work with them and look forward to many more successful years ahead.”

Geelong Travel retail manager Helen Paulus and senior travel advisor Rita Carlini were also recognised on the night for their efforts in sales at the awards.

The pair booked more than $1 million in APT trips in 2024 each and were named as inaugural members of the APT’s new Million Dollar Club.

APT Travel Group chief sales officer Scott Ellis said Ms Paulus and Ms Carlini were powerhouses when it came to selling.

“Their knowledge, passion and the way they go above and beyond for their clients in incredible,” he said.

“We’re thrilled to welcome them to APT’s Million Dollar Club – it’s a well-earned recognition of their hard work.”