The APT Travel Group has announced the passing of its legendary founder, Geoff McGeary OAM. He died peacefully at home surrounded by family on Wednesday, just one week shy of his 84th birthday and, in a heartfelt detail shared by APT, to the gentle music of his favourite artist, Celine Dion.
APT described him as a cherished family man and mate, but also as one of Australia’s most visionary and respected tourism leaders. His remarkable career spanned over seven decades of innovation and care, turning a modest Melbourne bus company into one of the country’s most admired global travel brands.
Geoff McGeary’s journey began in his family’s bayside transport business in the mid-1950s at the age of 19. Geoff not only possessed his father Bill’s entrepreneurial spirit but also his own insatiable appetite for discovering new destinations.
Over 75 years, and through tireless effort, he transformed that foundation into the APT Travel Group, which today represents a suite of premium travel brands famed for river cruising, guided tours and immersive global experiences.
He is widely credited with helping to shape modern Australian tourism. His leadership was defined not just by strategic foresight and product innovation, but by an enduring warmth and humility that became core to the now 98-year-old APT ethos.
In recognition of his influence, he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) 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.
APT said that his guiding values, kindness, optimism, collaboration, and quiet determination, will live on through the business, now helmed by his children, Robert McGeary and Lou Tandy and through the APT Board and Executives.
How will the industry remember him?
McGeary’s legacy extends beyond business metrics. He leaves behind a culture of respect, genuine guest care, and a pioneering, collaborative spirit that defined both his leadership style and his vision for travel.
APT said it would share details of a memorial in due course. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to APT’s Foundation, OneTomorrow, to support Parkinson’s disease research.
Industry friends and colleagues can contribute to the donation fund here.
Karryon sends its heartfelt condolences to the McGeary family, the entire APT team, and everyone in the travel community who knew, worked with, or was inspired by Geoff.
Vale Geoff McGeary OAM.
