Introducing the newest members of Travellers Choice

Introducing the newest members of Travellers Choice

Travellers Choice is rolling out the welcome mat for three new members in New South Wales, Tasmania and South Australia!

Top Deck Travel, Chris Watson Travel and Davenport Travel and Cruise are now all members of the Travellers Choice’s family of independent travel agents.

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Top Deck Travel, located in the east Adelaide suburb of Norwood, is owned by Clare Horton, who acquired the business in July 2016 after 17 years working in the agency.

Horton said she was drawn to Travellers Choice by her desire to receive personalised support for her local marketing activities and more assistance in growing her digital marketing presence.

Travellers Choice BDM AJ Moore with Top Deck Travel owner Claire Horton

Travellers Choice BDM AJ Moore with Top Deck Travel owner Claire Horton

“Essentially I wanted to be part of a smaller group in which I could enjoy more meaningful relationships, especially at a local level with my state Business Development Manager,” Horton said.

“I also wanted to access new commercial opportunities, like those presented by Travellers Choice’s arrangement with TripADeal. People are on the look-out for something different and the TripADeal relationship, which provides access to exclusive products, is unique.”

Geoff and Sandy Richardson have operated Devonport Travel and Cruise for the past seven years. The agency is located in the vibrant maritime city of Devonport on Tasmania’s north coast, where the Mersey River feeds into the Bass Strait.

Geoff Richardson describes Travellers Choice’s relationship with TripADeal as “a real bonus, that’s for sure”, but what he finds most appealing about the group is the freedom it offers member shareholders.

Travellers Choice BDM (VIC and TAS) Graham Smith (left) with the team from Devonport Travel and Cruise

Travellers Choice BDM (VIC and TAS) Graham Smith (left) with the team from Devonport Travel and Cruise

Chris and Gemma Watson launched their business in 2005 (rebranding it as Chris Watson Travel in 2014) in Tamworth.

As well as being a former Tamworth Young Business Person and Young Citizen of The Year, Chris Watson is an internationally recognised country music line dancer, and dance group tours are a key feature of the agency.

Watson said that when investigating retail group options the Travellers Choice brand and vision immediately resonated.

“We are an independent and family-owned small business and culturally we saw it as a natural fit,” he said.

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