Holiday World marked a major milestone recently, celebrating 30 years in business at Nelson Bay Golf Club in NSW with travel partners across air, touring, cruising and insurance and valued clients in attendance.
The family-run business, now part of Envoyage, was established by Narelle and Doug Melhuish in 1995 and now counts their daughters, Tash Cook and Hayley Bender, among the team of travel experts.
The cocktail event celebration traced the agency’s evolution over the past three decades and was sponsored by key trade partners APT, Travelmarvel, Scenic, Emerald Cruises and Oceania Cruises.
Representatives from Albatross Tours, Wendy Wu Tours, Emirates, Envoyage, Cruise HQ, HX, nib Travel Insurance, Viking, Princess Cruises, Collette, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Bench Africa were also on hand to celebrate with the Holiday World team.
Clients shared stories from their travels with many reflecting on Holiday World’s reliability and commitment in moments of crisis. Several recalled times when the team stepped in to retrieve forgotten passports, re-route itineraries when destinations closed, or resolve issues at short notice.
One guest joked that there are only two things in the world open 24 hours: “The Kremlin and Narelle”.
Former team members also sent messages of congratulations, their tributes highlighting the agency’s longstanding role in nurturing talent and supporting the next generation of travel professionals.
Holiday World Founder Narelle Melhuish said the event was a celebration of partnership as much as longevity as the company enters its fourth decade.
“Thirty years in travel is something we’re very proud of, but what matters most are the relationships we’ve built along the way. Our clients and our supplier partners have trusted us through changing times, unexpected challenges and some unforgettable journeys. [This event] was really about honouring that,” she said.
Speaking as the next generation, Tash Cook added: “Growing up around travel and now being part of the business is something I’m grateful for every day. The industry has changed so much, but the heart of what we do hasn’t. We care about people, and that’s what keeps us moving forward.”
Find out more at holidayworld.com.au
