The travel industry’s brightest stars were recognised at the National Travel Industry Awards (NTIA 2025) over the weekend at a sparkling celebration at The Star in Brisbane. And of course, Karryon was there to catch up with all of the winners straight off the stage.
Shining the spotlight on the individual award winners, we asked the esteemed champions just two questions: How do you feel and why did you win? Here’s what they said:
Most Outstanding Travel Agency Manager – Sonia Jones, Sonia Jones Travel
- I’m speechless. Actually, I can’t believe it. It’s incredible, and it’ just a privilege to be able to represent my business and everything that we’ve done over the last 12 months, but obviously the 11 years before that as well.
- I’m pretty tenacious, I think. But I really care about my team. I don’t have a business without them, and so I think trying to look after them and make them a priority, and to have consistency in what we do, so that the customer’s experience is really consistent as well. That doesn’t matter if they talk to me just because my name’s above the door; if they can speak to one of the other team and get the same sort of quality of service and consistency, I think that’s really, that’s our secret. That’s what we do really well.
Most Outstanding Travel Consultant Leisure – Samantha Renvoye, Clean Cruising
- I feel amazing and very excited! It’s been a very long journey, but totally worth it.
- Having my family behind me, but also aligning myself with the right [work] family to work with. It’s really important to be with the right people. And you can definitely achieve a lot if you put your mind to it. This is definitely something that I did.
Most Outstanding Mobile / Home-Based Travel Advisor – Alison McGovern, MTA – Mobile Travel Agents
- I’m absolutely over the moon. This is a job that I love; I do with passion. And 34 years in, and I’ve picked the best company, being MTA Travel. I love my clients, and I just love my job.
- It’s the relationship building and just the passion for what I do – absolutely relationships and passion!
Most Outstanding Travel Consultant Corporate – Sarah Hackett, Sanford International Travel
- I’m still amazed that it’s actually happened. When someone calls your name, it’s hard to believe that they haven’t made a mistake! But after five finalist awards, this is amazing to be recognised as the best.
- Just hard work, and dedication to clients. I think that’s what got me through some really hard times. But yeah, I’m overjoyed to be recognised.
Rookie of the Year – Alex Pilarski, Travel Globe
- Lots of butterflies, lots of emotions.
- Resilience. It really is, because it was a hard start just to get into the industry – lots of rejections. And I’ve had to work from the bottom up; learn how to start my own business, get my own clients, which I’m grateful that Travel Globe gave me that opportunity.
Most Outstanding Sales Executive – Cruise Barbara Baron, APT Travel Group
- I’m really excited, because it’s me, but I’m part of a massive sales team; there are 16 of us, and APT have just got the most amazing new river ships in Europe, which I’m just so excited every day to go and spruik. I also want to have a shout-out to Lauren, also from our sales team, who was in the same category, and I love her, and she’s in our Queensland sales team. But I’m absolutely thrilled.
- There’s no secret, we’ve got the best river ships in Europe – and we’ve just got the most amazing product. So if you can get up and just have amazing product that you are so passionate about and that you just want everyone to sell, it makes this job really easy, and I just love every day.
Most Outstanding Sales Executive – Tour Operator Jo Leckie, TTC Tour Brands
- I’m just so excited. I’m proud. Just all the feels.
- I’ve got an amazing team backing me. Everyone at TTC is so supportive, and we just make a great team.
Most Outstanding Sales Executive – Wholesaler Yvette Montell, Inside Travel Group
- I’m completely in shock, if I’m honest It really was very unexpected… such a strong pool of finalists in my category, so I didn’t actually give myself any chance whatsoever!
- I think one of the biggest things was just when I went into the interview, I really wanted to just be myself, so I put a bit of humour in there, which I try and do in all of my dealings, whether it’s presenting or networking – and I think maybe they got a kick out of that!
Most Outstanding Sales Executive – Air Nicole Laurie, Delta Airlines
- I’m absolutely ecstatic! This win means everything. The travel industry, for me, means the world. I love working in this industry, and I’m absolutely over the moon.
Stay tuned for all the reactions to the winners of the most popular categories tomorrow as part of our comprehensive wrap of the travel industry’s night of nights.
For more info on the awards, click here.
