Sun Island Tours is mourning the loss of co-founder Celia Polyviou, who has passed away at the age of 81.
A travel agent throughout her entire adult life, Polyviou emigrated to Australia from Cyprus in the 1970s and built a long career in retail travel before co-founding Sun Island Tours in 1989 with her husband, Lakis.
Polyviou had previously worked in travel agencies in Cyprus and the United Kingdom, bringing decades of experience and deep destination knowledge to the business. In the company’s early years, she played a key role in shaping its culture and product focus, helping establish Sun Island Tours as a specialist in Mediterranean travel.
Polyviou remained closely connected to the business as it grew into one of Australia’s leading wholesalers for Mediterranean travel, working alongside family members and helping foster the strong relationships with agents and clients that became a hallmark of the brand.
She is remembered for her warmth, energy and lifelong love of travel.
John and Paul Polyviou said: “A mum not just to the two of us, but to the entire Sun Island family. She brought great warmth and personality into the office and helped guide Sun Island in the early days. She was full of energy and loved to travel extensively. We shall all miss her greatly.”
