TravelManagers has celebrated its top-performing personal travel managers (PTMs) at its national conference in Hobart, handing out awards across sales, marketing, engagement and long service as the network sets its sights on 10 per cent growth for the financial year.
Speaking at the event, chief executive Joe Araullo said the network was aiming to claw back a slow start to the year, with sales around four per cent behind last year between April and July, largely the result of consumers delaying travel decisions amid Middle East conflict.
“I tell the group it’s probably going to take us six months to claw back what we lost, and then surge, hopefully,” Araullo said.
Against that backdrop, the conference recognised the PTMs and National Partnership Office (NPO) staff driving the network’s performance.
And the winners are…
Personal Travel Manager of the Year: Emma Lucas, who transferred the most commission in the 2025/26 financial year.
Top 10 Personal Travel Managers (by commission transferred):
Ally Casey, Bronwen Dascombe, Carla Vassallo, Carli Byrne, Dan Brown, David Hull, Emma Lucas, Kerrin Poupos, Louise McCarthy and Ric Pattaro.
Top Personal Travel Manager by state:
- NSW/ACT: Louise McCarthy
- WA/NT: Merrilyn Priest
- QLD: Bronwen Dascombe
- VIC: Emma Lucas
- SA/TAS: Lucrezia Caruso
Most Improved Personal Travel Manager:
- NSW/ACT: Julie Napier
- WA/NT: Carly Retallack
- VIC: Tanya Barker
- QLD: Bronwen Dascombe
- SA/TAS: Maddy Pullen
- National: Bronwen Dascombe
TravelManagers Engagement Award: Julianne Gazal-Rizk, recognised for her commitment to professional development and network events.
Above and Beyond Award: Ally Casey and Mo Hosea, honoured for exceptional client service.
PTM Choice Award: Rachael Portelli, voted by fellow PTMs.
Recognition Award: Danielle Goncalves, voted by National Partnership Office staff.
Denise Dean Advocate Award: Jo Miranda, recognised for advocacy of the TravelManagers brand.
Excellence in Marketing: Ange Bowerman.
Supplier Choice Award: Louise McCarthy, nominated by supplier partners.
Partner Supplier of the Year: Vietnam Travel & Cruise.
Top Sales Executive: Ki Williams, TTC.
TravelManagers Support Award: Rebecca Owen, Accounts.
Barry Mayo Spirit Award: José Cañas.
Dedication Award (10, 15 and 20 years’ service):
- 10 years – PTMs: Dana Brown, Danielle Goncalves, Emily Rickell, Karryn Bartlett, Merran Anderson, Rebecca Tiedgen and Tracey Lowry. NPO: Rheina Chan and Tania Myles.
- 15 years – PTMs: Angela Spicer, Antonella Damiano, David Hull, Erryn Morris, Julianne Gazal-Rizk, Julie Lunn, Lori Francisco, Maria Rainone, Melanie Carter, Pamela Battle, Phil Kimberlee and Valerie Galanou.
- 20 years – PTMs: John Lengacher. NPO: Tanyu Cilek.
