TRIBUTES have poured out for Tony Millmore, an Australian travel industry pioneer who died suddenly this week.
Millmore, aged 89, died surrounded by his family at Sydney’s St Vincent’s Hospital on Monday morning, after suffering complications from a routine operation.
A stalwart of the industry, Millmore was a former board member of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents, and also a Past President (1978) and Life Member of Skal International Australia.
He started his career at the Overseas Visitors Clubs in the 1950s, initially in London and later in New Zealand. He then moved to Sydney in 1968 to open the Atlantic and Pacific offices. However he was best known for his 23 years as owner of Venture Holidays, the leading wholesaler at the time.
Venture Holidays successfully created wholesale product across all Asian destinations, as well as the USA and Canada. Tony earned an amazing reputation throughout these destinations and was noted for his sales success, integrity, deep knowledge and genuine love of travel.
Tony also built Venture’s, and his own, 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. In addition, Tony ushered into Australia the brands of Holland America Line, Tauck World Discoveries, Windstar Cruises and Delta Steamboat, as their local GSA.
Tony’s 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 and son Andrew, worked with Tony throughout the 90’s and continue with roles in the travel industry today.
Andrew Millmore is now Executive Chairman of Travel The World, while Louise Millmore is owner of Easts Holidays. The family said Tony would be missed tremendously by his family, his friends, his colleagues and many in the industry who knew him well. Details of a planned ‘Celebration of Life’ welcoming all friends and colleagues will be advised in the coming days.
