Travellers Choice is continuing to punch above its weight in one of the AFTA National Travel Industry Awards' most coveted categories, with a record five member agencies in the running this month to be named the 2019 'People's Choice Retail Travel Agency of the Year'.
The People's Choice honour is unique because it is the only NTIA award determined solely by votes from Australian consumers. Since the category was first introduced in 2016, Travellers Choice members have accounted for almost half of the 24 finalists and two of the three recipients.
Among this year's finalists are Travellers Choice member shareholders Burnie Travelcentre (Tasmania), Kingscote Travel (South Australia), Sisterhood Womens Travel (Victoria), Weston Cruise & Travel (ACT) and Chris Watson Travel (New South Wales).
Travellers Choice Managing Director Christian Hunter says the group's success in the People's Choice award reflects the close and enduring relationships its members enjoy with their customers.
"Like all successful independent travel agents, Travellers Choice members enrich their local communities and forge bonds that transcend the typical retailer-customer relationship," says Christian. "That's why our members' customers seize opportunities such as the People's Choice award to show their appreciation."
"I know that for the Travellers Choice members who have been nominated it is a genuinely humbling and affirming experience."
The 2019 'People's Choice Retail Travel Agency of the Year' accolade will be presented during the NTIA Gala Dinner on 20 July at Sydney's International Convention Centre.