The APT Travel Group has landed eight category nominations at ATIA’s 2026 National Travel Industry Awards, alongside individual nods for eight of its business development managers.
The APT Travel Group has been shortlisted across eight peer-voted categories at the Australian Travel Industry Association’s 2026 National Travel Industry Awards (NTIA).
The nominations occur as the group approaches its centenary year in 2027, having recently acquired a majority stake in Murray River Paddlesteamers to bolster its cruising portfolio.
Founded in 1927, The APT Travel Group has grown from a family-run coach company into a global touring and cruising business spanning APT, Travelmarvel, Botanica World Discoveries, Captain’s Choice and Antarctica Flights.
The nods cover the group’s spread across touring, ocean and river cruising, sustainability, marketing, reservations and trade training.
The eight category nominations are: Most Outstanding Tour Operator: Global; Sustainability Award: Supplier; Most Outstanding Reservations/Groups Team; Most Popular Ocean Cruise Operator; Most Popular River Cruise Operator; Most Outstanding Marketing Campaign for APT; Most Outstanding Travel Industry Training Program; and Most Outstanding Tour Operator: Specialised for Botanica World Discoveries.
Eight BDMs also picked up individual nominations: Tony Fisicaro, Georgina Symonds, Donna Jones, Tatiana Parry and Joshua Bright for Most Outstanding Sales Executive: Tour Operator and Sandy Allan, Madison Baier and Marlene Nolan were nominated for Most Outstanding Sales Executive: Cruise.
The APT Travel Group CEO David Cox said the recognition reflected the group’s work across its brands for guests and trade partners.
“Eight nominations is something we’re genuinely proud of. These awards are peer-voted, they come from the agents and partners we work with every day, and that makes them even more meaningful,” he said.
“To see both APT and Botanica World Discoveries recognised as well as eight individual team members, is a reflection of the breadth of what our teams deliver, and well-deserved recognition as we head towards our centenary year in 2027.”
This year’s NTIA program drew nominations across 36 categories, judged through a mix of peer nomination and independent assessment.
ATIA recently revealed the 2026 nominees following another record-breaking year for submissions. Winners will be named at the Gala Awards Dinner in Melbourne on 10 October 2026.
KARRYON UNPACKS: NTIA nominations are peer-voted, so eight is a read on how a supplier is regarded by the people selling its product. With eight BDMs individually shortlisted across touring and cruise, the list doubles as a handy who’s who of the faces advisors deal with on a day-to-day basis.
