The Australian travel industry is today mourning the sudden death of travel industry stalwart, former board member of AFTA and past president (1978), and life member of Skal International Australia, Tony Millmore.
Starting his career in the 1950’s with the Overseas Visitors Club’s in London and later New Zealand, Millmore moved to Sydney in 1968 to open the Atlantic and Pacific offices.
However, he was best known for his 23 years as owner of the leading wholesaler at the time, Venture Holidays.
Venture Holidays created wholesale product across all Asian destinations, as well as the US and Canada, earning Millmore an amazing reputation throughout these destinations where he was noted for his sales success, integrity, deep knowledge and genuine love of travel.
Millmore also built Venture’s reputation by delivering the highly successful Frank Hyde Group Tours, 2UE’s Garden Tours, Gordon Rugby tours and sponsorship, and his ownership of Easts Travel working with the Easts Leagues Club.
Millmore also brought brands such as Holland America Line, Tauck World Discoveries, Windstar Cruises and Delta Steamboat to Australia as their local GSA.
His enthusiasm for travel, kind nature and even temperament had a lasting influence on so many people employed by Venture over the years, many whom remained in touch with him throughout his life. Both his children, daughter Louise, owner of Easts Holidays and son Andrew, Travel the World executive chairman, worked with Tony throughout the 90’s and continue with roles in the travel industry today.
The industry legend died surrounded by his family at St Vincent’s Hospital on Monday morning after suffering complications from a routine operation. He was 89.
Millmore will be missed tremendously by his family, his friends, his colleagues and many in the industry who knew him well. There will be a private family service this Friday and information about a ‘Celebration of Life’, welcoming all friends and colleagues, to be advised as soon as possible.
