Stuart Coffield-led Geelong Travel crowned nation's best

A BELMONT travel agency has been recognised as the best in the country after a standout year delivering premium touring experiences.

Geelong Travel, led by Stuart Coffield, was named 2025’s top performing travel agency at the national APT Travel Group awards last month, placing the locally owned business ahead of agencies across Australia.

The result marked another major milestone for the family-run agency and was accompanied by several individual honours for the Geelong Travel team.

Geelong Travel consultant Helen Paulus (second from right) after being named the APT Travel Group’s Top Performing Consultant for 2025. She also earned a place in the Million Dollar Club for a second consecutive year. Photo: Tay Bassi Creative

APT Travel Group chief sales officer, Scott Ellis, said the agency had again demonstrated why it remained the company’s leading partner nationwide.

“Geelong Travel has once again cemented its position as the number one agency in Australia,” he said.

“Their exceptional performance throughout 2025 was driven by an unwavering commitment to their clients and a consistently high standard of professionalism.

“Awarded Top Performing Travel Agency, Geelong Travel is recognised as a specialist in APT, supported by first-hand product knowledge, deep destination insight and genuine experience across the program.

“As a result, their clients place complete trust in their recommendations, confident their holidays are in expert hands.”

APT Travel Group chief sales officer Scott Ellis said Geelong Travel had cemented its position as the company’s number one agency in Australia. Photo: Tay Bassi Creative

Coffield said the recognition reflected both the loyalty of Geelong Travel’s customers and the expertise of the agency’s team.

“It’s wonderful to be recognised,” he said. “We couldn’t be prouder of the support we get from Geelong and the surrounding community.”

He attributed the agency’s ongoing success to its strong customer service, exclusive product offering and the depth of knowledge the Geelong Travel team gains through first-hand experience.

Training is ongoing, with staff regularly taking educational trips to experience the tours, cruises and destinations they recommend to clients.

Rosanna Dogan (second from left) celebrates her inclusion in the APT Travel Group’s Million Dollar Club for 2025. Photos: Tay Bassi Creative

Helen Paulus receives the APT Travel Group’s Top Performing Consultant award for 2025. Photo: Tay Bassi Creative

That exposure allows Geelong Travel’s consultants to share practical insights drawn from their own travels rather than relying on brochures.

“That’s first-hand information that’s not found in online chats,” Coffield said.

The success extended across the agency, with Rosanna Dogan, Rita Carlini and Helen Paulus all named in APT’s Million Dollar Club, an honour reserved for consultants who each sold more than $1 million in travel during 2025.

Paulus also took out 2025’s Top Performing Consultant award. The award recognised both her sales performance and the leadership she brings to the team.

Rita Carlini (second from right) with her APT Travel Group Million Dollar Club award for 2025 after also receiving the inaugural honour last year. Photo: Tay Bassi Creative

Coffield celebrated their achievements and the work behind their success.

“The team members are part of our family,” Coffield said. “It’s a significant reward for all their dedication to our growing client base.”

Geelong Travel was also inducted into the McGeary Club, which celebrates agencies that sold more than $2 million in travel in 2025.

Coffield said the agency was focused on continuing its growth while welcoming more travellers through the door to start planning their next adventure.

“For anyone thinking about their next holiday, come and see the team at Geelong Travel,” he said. “We’ll look after all the little details to make it an amazing experience.”