APT Travel Group patriarch and founder Geoff McGeary OAM, passed away yesterday, Wednesday 18 June, just one week shy of his 84th birthday.
“Geoff passed peacefully at home, surrounded by family and the gentle sounds of Celine Dion,” a statement from APT said. “He was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, colleague, business partner, and mate.
“Geoff was a true pioneer of the Australian travel industry, and his contributions have been nothing short of extraordinary. From humble beginnings in his family’s bayside bus business in Melbourne, he built APT into one of Australia’s most loved, trusted, and awarded travel companies –respected around the world.
“His passion for creating unforgettable travel experiences was matched by a deep commitment to innovation, integrity, and care for people. Known for his vision and leadership, Geoff was equally admired for his warmth, humility, and unwavering dedication to his guests, staff, and the wider community.
In recognition of his outstanding impact, he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2014 for Services to Tourism and Philanthropy. A year later, he was honoured as an Australian Tourism Legend at the 2015 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards.
“Geoff will be remembered as kind, optimistic, collaborative, quietly determined, and humble. His legacy and spirit lives on at APT through the leadership of his children, Robert McGeary and Lou Tandy, and the APT Board and Executives as they carry forward his values, passion, and commitment to delivering enriching travel journeys,” the statement said.
“Geoff leaves behind a remarkable legacy — one that will continue to inspire generations to come.”
Deep sadness
CATO managing director Brett Jardine, who worked closely with McGeary at APT some years ago, offered his condolences.
“It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Geoff McGeary OAM – a true pioneer of Australian tourism and a towering figure within our industry for more than six decades,” he said.
“As the visionary behind APT, Geoff shaped not only a company but an entire sector, building one of the country’s most respected touring businesses from humble beginnings.
“Geoff’s innovation, tenacity, and deep commitment to quality and customer experience helped define the modern Australian touring landscape.
“Beyond business success, Geoff was a generous leader and mentor whose legacy is woven into the fabric of the travel industry. His contributions were formally recognised with the Medal of the Order of Australia.
“Geoff’s legacy will live on in the countless lives he enriched – from the guests he inspired to explore the world, to the many professionals he guided along the way.”
Memorial details will be shared in due course. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations are made to APT’s Foundation, OneTomorrow, in support of research into Parkinson’s disease.
Please click on this link if you wish to donate In Memory of Geoff McGeary OAM.
