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5 reasons you'll want to apply for the AVIS Travel Agent Scholarship

"Ladies and gentlemen I'm happy to announce the Avis Travel Agent Scholarship has officially launched."

“Ladies and gentlemen I’m happy to announce the Avis Travel Agent Scholarship has officially launched.”

 

 

And with those words said amongst travel journalists, a past winner, Qantas employees and the GM of CLIA at the Four Season in Sydney, Avis Travel Industry Manager, Russell Butler, officially opened the annual scholarship.

In its 19th year this year, Butler told guests the Scholarship continues to go from strength to strength because of its contribution to the industry, uniqueness and timelessness.

Avis Scholarship

Every year, minor updates are made to the Scholarship to keep it fresh for agents.

This year, Butler said minor changes have been made to the judging process and there’s the addition of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) as an official prize partner.

Although CLIA has been aligned with Avis for eight years, this year their partnership is official. Read on

But of course, the Scholarship is all about rewarding agents who offer incredible customer service, so it wouldn’t be a launch without a previous winner and who better than the inaugural winner.

Robyn Sinfield

Robyn Sinfield [right] with Debbie Colline & Leanne Ralston at the 2013 awards.

Sitting next to KarryOn was Robyn Sinfield, who was named the first Avis Travel Agent Scholarship winner back in 1997.

Working under an Ansett agency at the time, Sinfield says she’s come along way over the last 18 years and thanks the Scholarship for her drive to succeed.

“It’s definitely worth applying for because winning is very rewarding.”

Robyn Sinfield, Home Travel Company Owner

If you ask Sinfield what her favourite aspect of the Scholarship is, she’ll tell you its the unbias selection process.

Each application goes through three different checks by different people and the final decision is made by a panel of judges.

“It really gives anyone who shows excellent customer service and enthusiasm the chance to win.”

Robyn Sinfield, Home Travel Company Owner

“At the end of the day it’s not about what you sell, it’s about how you sell it.”

We asked Robyn five reasons why it’s worth every agents time to apply and this is what she had to say:

 

1. Confidence

travel agent confidence

Travel agents aren’t public speakers, some us have the confidence to do it and others don’t. Getting in front of the Avis judging panel takes courage and a lot of confidence so that in itself is an accomplishment.

 

2. Networking

travel agent networking

You get to meet people along the way plus you spend time with company heads. I’m here at a lunch with heads of Qantas and the head of CLIA, it offers great opportunities to meet and greet new people.

 

3. Unique experiences

travel agent unique experiences

As the inaugural winner I was offered a trip to different parts of the US, which took about a year. It was a real eye opening experience because you see the importance of customer service from booking to journey to after.

 

4. Build on your goals

travel agent goals

If you win the Scholarship actually helps bring your goals to the forefront and gives you new avenues to achieve them. But even if you don’t win, applying will make you evaluate what you’re doing and where you want to go.

 

5. Industry recognition

travel agent recognition

People immediately recognise the value of being an Avis Travel Agent Scholarship winner.

We were just a small agency in Tasmania, who would have thought we would have won when we were up against agencies from NSW and Melbourne?

Will you be entering the Avis Travel Agent Scholarship?