TravelManagers wraps up ‘best conference yet’ and reveals 2025 location

  • tm Day 3 Rushes 28
  • tm Day 3 Rushes 30
  • tm Day 3 Rushes 04
  • tm Day 3 Rushes 32
  • tm Day 3 Rushes 11
  • tm Day 3 Rushes 09
  • tm Day 3 Rushes 05
1 / 7
Edited by Travel Weekly


TravelManagers’ annual conference concluded in Cairns on Saturday evening with a gala awards dinner. Executive general manager, Michael Gazal, described this year’s conference as its biggest and most successful ever. 

“Despite their demanding workloads, almost half of our total network of personal travel managers (PTMs) have invested in their future businesses by coming to Cairns this year, along with more than 140 supplier and media partners.” 

Louise McCarthy, from Castle Hill, Sydney, was among those with something to celebrate on Saturday night being named ‘Personal Travel Manager of the Year’ for 2023/24. The coveted PTM Choice Award, which is awarded by PTM votes, went to Rachael Portelli from Aberfeldie, Victoria, in recognition of her professionalism and dedication to upholding TravelManagers’ brand and values. 

Gazal says the new award categories introduced this year were a reflection of the brand’s tradition of celebrating both its culture and its commercial success. 

“The inaugural recipient of the Above and Beyond Award, PTM Nicole Cocks (from Samford, Queensland), is the epitome of a TravelManagers PTM who goes above and beyond to assist colleagues and clients dealing with challenging circumstances,” he explained. “She received the award for her exceptional service and selflessness in a situation that, without her quiet intervention, could have destroyed a client’s milestone family holiday.”  

PTM Maria Miller, who is based in Parkes, NSW, was this year’s recipient of the Barry Mayo Spirit Award which, as Gazal explained, is presented each year to someone whose everyday attitude has helped in developing, maintaining and enhancing TravelManagers’ unique culture.  

“Maria joined TravelManagers in 2008, and her strong connections across the network are a direct result of her willingness to lend a hand or an ear to any fellow PTMs in need of support and assistance.” 

During the lead-up to the awards ceremony, conference participants attended trade shows and presentations from more than 80 partner suppliers. The conference theme of ‘Working Smarter’ was integrated into a series of plenary sessions and workshops that covered a variety of topics, including recent technology innovations that PTMs can integrate into their business operations to enhance productivity and inform their decision-making. 

The opening address was delivered by internationally accredited practitioner in mindfulness and meditation, Chelsea Pottenger. In a change of format from the usual closing address, the conference wrapped with a Q&A session with Olympic champion and national treasure, Cathy Freeman OAM. 

The conference concluded on Saturday afternoon with an important announcement. 

“The location of the following year’s National Conference is traditionally a closely kept secret until the conclusion of the current event,” Gazal said. “The news that we are heading to Bali in September 2025 created the perfect buzz on which to finish.” 

The conference will be held mid-week, offering attendees the chance the enjoy a long weekend, either side of the event.

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

Latest News

  • Conferences
  • Tourism

Robert Irwin’s plea to travel industry: Spend tourism dollars on supporting the planet

Spend your tourism dollar wisely to protect the planet when travelling, TV personality, conservationist and wildlife advocate Robert Irwin told a fascinated audience in the final session of the 24th Global Summit World Travel & Tourism Council in Perth (Boorloo) today (Thursday). “When you’re travelling, think about where your money’s being spent,” he told host […]

  • Conferences
  • First Nations
  • Tourism

Indigenous tourism drives economic growth: The World Travel & Tourism Council finds

Indigenous tourism is projected to contribute US$67 billion ($AU100b) to the global economy by 2034, a landmark World Travel & Tourism Council has found. This economic boom is fuelled by increasing demand for authentic cultural experiences, in countries such as Australia, Canada and the United States, among others. The report showcases the sector’s role in […]

  • Conferences
  • Tour Operators
  • Tourism

Perth’s Matagarup Zip+Climb becomes world’s first member of WTTC’s ‘Together in Travel’ for SMEs

Perth’s Matagarup Zip+Climb co-founder Ryan Mossny has been named the world’s first member of the World Travel & Tourism Council’s new ‘Together in Travel’ program for Small and Medium Enterprises (SME). Announced at the 2024 Global Summit in Perth (Boorloo), today the ‘Together in Travel’ program is a unique initiative aimed at providing support and […]