The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) has announced the finalists for the 2026 National Travel Industry Awards (NTIA) individual categories, recognising travel professionals for their professionalism and dedication to the industry.
The top five ranked submissions in each category have progressed to finalist stage, with ATIA reporting a higher calibre of entries and a larger number of nominees making 2026 a particularly competitive year.
The full list of NTIA finalists are available on the website.
ATIA thanked every nominee who completed a submission and congratulated the finalists, who will now undergo industry judging for the chance to win an NTIA at the Awards Gala in Melbourne on 10 October.
Most Outstanding Mobile / Home Based Travel Advisor
Claire Martino, Envoyage
Joanne Agius, itravel
Chanel Loxton, Loxton Travel (Envoyage)
Sarah Fenton, MTA Mobile Travel Agents
Rachel Steele, Travel Society (Global Travel Network)
Melanie Carter, TravelManagers
Most Outstanding Travel Agency Manager
Carla Di Mento, Cruise Express
Michelle Everson, Jamison Travel & Cruise
Gemma Giandomenico, MyHoliday2
Barry Warner, Planetdwellers Travel, Tours & Events
Baris Celik, TAG
Most Outstanding Travel Consultant – Corporate
Stephanie McAvoy, American Express Global Business Travel
Henry Subratha, BCD Travel
Kylie Gallagher, Corporate Travel Management
Nicole Costello Kirby, Showgroup
Alison Brown, TAG
Mel Kaga, TAG
Most Outstanding Travel Consultant – Leisure
Katie Lapierre, Bicton Travel
Veronica Neto, Envoyage Rockingham
Santina Foscarini, itravel Griffith
Narelle Duddy, Jamison Travel & Cruise
Mandi Forrester-Jones, Viva Travel
Most Outstanding New Talent
Nicole Raeside, Amex GBT
Jordan Heinrich, Clean Cruising
Jade Sharp, Connected Travel – Jade Sharp
Wolf Aron, FBI Travel
Mordecai Winters, Helloworld Travel Dalby
Meagan Bonham, Tailor Made Travel Mt Gambier
Most Outstanding Sales Executive – Air
Kevin Peng, ANA – All Nippon Airways
Karen Harrison, Qantas
Albina Obilinovich, Qatar Airways
Aidan Truscott, Singapore Airlines
Learna Cale, Singapore Airlines
Deidre Parkes-Finch, United Airlines
Most Outstanding Sales Executive – Cruise
Tony Fisicaro, APT Travel Group
Justin Southern, Azamara Cruises
Rebecca Setchell, Hurtigruten
Gareth Coakley, HX Expeditions
Kristina Sambaher, Ponant Explorations
Nathalie Fagan, Viking
Most Outstanding Sales Executive – Tour Operator
Anoushka Kudav, Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group
Michelle Daniels, Albatross Tours
Anita Dearle, Collette
Jackie Gordon, Collette
Rebecca Hodgson, Evolution Travel Collective representing Explore
Nick Roelofs, G Adventures
Most Outstanding Sales Executive – Wholesaler
Michelle Nickelson, Club Med
Giovanny Palacio, Club Med
Siobhan Askham, Discover the World
Cam Marsh, Imagine Cruising
Michelle Riel, Stuba
Rachel Javier, Travel the World
ATIA CEO Dean Long said the NTIAs were becoming more competitive every year.
“The NTIAs are getting more competitive every year, and these travel professionals are representing the industry with excellence that really shows their commitment to their work,” Long said. “Congratulations to all the finalists, we’re looking forward to celebrating with you in Melbourne!”
