Head to our Instagram for exclusive video interviews with the night’s winners and sponsors, and see more photos of the night HERE.
Charlie Trevena
Most Popular Travel Support Service by an Individual
Although Charlie Trevana was announced the winner of the Most Popular Travel Support Service by an Individual category at the NTIAs on Saturday, the real winner appeared to be cameraderie, with the plucky founder of Destination Webinars quick to share the credit.
“As a group of four we decided that I would accept it on behalf of all four [of the nominees], anyone who knows us would know that we are all close friends and we support each other and we are really grateful to everyone who supported us,” she said.
“We are very grateful for everyone in travel who has supported us, even though we are a support service, we still need that support for us too,” she added.
The individual support service honour generated plenty of publicity in the lead up to NTIAs, proving to be one of the most popular voting categories.
When asked if she should cut the trophy into four pieces, Trevana considered it briefly, before reluctantly choosing her mantlepiece for the prestigious glassware.
Amadeus
Most Popular Travel Support Service
TRAVEL technology company Amadeus was “thrilled” to be named NTIA’s Most Popular Travel Support Service.
“The fact this was a popular vote, meaning our customers, partners and colleagues in the industry voted us to win, is very special,” Managing Director Pacific, Kaylene Shuttlewood, said.
“It’s recognition for our team, and validation from those who use our solutions and interact with us on a daily basis, that we are doing a great job.
“We see this award as a culmination of the work each of our 400-strong Pacific team has put in over the past two years across all aspects of our business – from travel distribution, to airlines, airports, hospitality and payments.
“We kept focus on our customers and their needs, supporting them where we could when times were tough, delivering innovative tech and now working with them to renew the travel industry.”
Ignite Travel Group’s River Collection Launch
Most Outstanding Marketing Campaign – Agency
IGNITE Travel Group’s MyCruises brand claimed victory in the category of Most Outstanding Marketing Campaign – Agency on the industry’s night of nights at the NTIAs on Saturday for its River Collection Launch.
The cruising brand’s General Manager Michael Middleton attributes the win to “being able to bring an idea of a new brand/division to life during the middle of the pandemic”, in addition to “great sales results” and “market awareness” – achievements which he said the company is “extremely proud of”.
“We appreciate that River Cruising can be a complex product so for us to be able to take away these complexities and present River Cruising in a new way is refreshing and a winning formula,” he added.
“I would really like to thank the Product & Marketing teams here at Ignite/MyCruises for their ideas and creativity in bringing this to life.
“Finally, a huge thanks to the team at Avalon Waterways for going above and beyond with our initiative. They are a shining example of a great partnership.”
Chimu Adventures
Most Outstanding Tour Operator
RECIPIENT of NTIA’s Most Outstanding Tour Operator award, Chimu Adventures, said its win was based on a number of factors, particularly its efforts in operating the first repatriation flights into Australia when the pandemic first hit.
“We brought home from Latin America not only our own clients, but those of our competition and general travelling population, when no other travel options existed,” Marketing Manager Meg Hall said.
“This was then complemented by our ability to recreate extraordinary travel experiences, from behind closed borders, through our, Australia first, Southern Lights by Flight program, and we continued to operate throughout the pandemic whilst remaining true to our brand and our values.”
Hall went on to thank Chimu’s “resilient team” for its hard work, as well partners Intrepid Travel and Viva Expeditions for their support.
Hall also expressed appreciation for “our family in NZ for sharing in innovation and Qantas for trusting in us to deliver a somewhat off the wall product, that being the Southern Lights”.
“To our MD and Co-founder Chad Carey we thank you for your inspiring, innovative and optimistic leadership throughout the pandemic and last but not least to AFTA and all the sponsors for hosting the event and allowing this moment in time to happen for us!” she concluded.
Air New Zealand
Sustainability Award – Supplier
IT LOOKS like the big strides made towards being more sustainable are really paying off for Air New Zealand’s reputation, with the airline taking out the Sustainability Award – Supplier gong.
Air New Zealand has been making plenty of moves toward achieving carbon zero emissions, recently appointing a Chief Sustainability Officer and kick-starting a number of initiatives including SAF deals.
Speaking about the recognition, Air New Zealand Chief Customer and Sales Officer Leanne Geraghty said the fact the industry has acknowledged its efforts was “bloody awesome”.
“Being recognised for our contribution and commitment to sustainability is a real achievement and an area we are laser focused on, from Flight NZ0 and the commitment we’ve made to Sustainable Aviation Fuel and zero-emissions aircraft, our recent Tiaki and the Guardians Safety Video and FlyNeutral – our carbon offset program is well and truly engrained throughout our business,” she said.
