Helloworld Hunter Travel Group was named Helloworld Travel Agency of the Year (Multi-Store) National Winner at the network’s 2026 Owners & Managers Conference in Cairns.
Helloworld Hunter Travel Group (HTG) nabbed the network’s top multi-store gong at the gala awards evening held at the Cairns Convention Centre on 13 June 2026.
The national title followed HTG first being named NSW/ACT Agency of the Year (Multi-Store), making it the standout among the network’s larger retail businesses.
Founded in Newcastle in 1999 by CEO Brett Dann, the group has grown from a single regional shopfront into one of Australia’s largest privately owned travel groups, operating more than 35 locations nationally and employing close to 200 travel professionals.
The result was a strong night for the wider HTG family, which collected three state titles in addition to the national award.
Sister companies RACT Travel and RACQ Travel took out the Victoria/Tasmania and Queensland multi-store awards respectively with HTG claiming NSW/ACT before going on to win the national title.
The group operates through brands including Helloworld Travel HTG, RACQ Travel, RACT Travel, Cruise Travel Centre, Helloworld Business Travel HTG and The Explorer Lounge, servicing leisure, cruise and corporate clients.
Dann said the recognition reflected the dedication of the group’s people and the trust placed in them by clients across Australia.
“To be recognised as Australia’s leading multi-store Helloworld Travel agency is an incredible honour and one that belongs to every member of our team,” Dann said.
“What makes this achievement particularly special is that it has been earned by a business that was built right here in Newcastle. From our beginnings as a small local agency, we’ve grown into a national travel group while remaining proudly regional at heart.
“Travel is ultimately about people. These awards recognise the expertise, care and personal service our teams deliver every day, whether they’re helping a family plan their first overseas holiday, arranging a dream cruise, or managing complex business travel requirements.
“We are incredibly grateful to our clients for their continued loyalty and support, and to our supplier partners who work alongside us every day. This award is something our entire HTG family can celebrate together,” Dann said.
HLO OMC hosts 550 delegates in Cairns
The 2026 Helloworld Travel Owners & Managers Conference (OMC) drew more than 550 delegates from across Australia and New Zealand, including agency owners, managers, airlines, cruise lines, tourism organisations and Karryon.
Hosted in Cairns, the event was officially opened by Queensland Premier David Crisafulli and Tourism and Events Queensland CEO Craig Davidson with the opening day used to highlight the critical role travel advisors play for the state’s tourism economy.
KARRYON UNPACKS: A national win for a group spanning leisure, cruise and corporate, plus autoclub brands RACQ and RACT, is a useful proof point for clients deciding where to book. It also underlines how a regionally founded business has scaled to more than 35 locations without losing the personal touch.
