Raise your drinking horns: Viking is confirmed to return as the major sponsor of ATIA’s 2026 National Travel Industry Awards Finalist Celebration for a fourth consecutive year, anchoring the highly anticipated NTIA weekend.
The NTIA Finalist Celebration will open the 2026 NTIA weekend in Melbourne on 9 October, one night ahead of the NTIA Gala when the award winners are announced.
The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) event brings together travel advisors, tour operators, corporate travel businesses and suppliers in a relaxed setting before the formal Gala event.
Held before the awards presentation, the Finalist Celebration is designed to give NTIA finalists the chance to connect with peers and recognise what it means to be named among the best in the Australian travel industry.
For finalists, it is a moment to step away from running their businesses and serving clients to mark an achievement that reflects their professionalism, leadership and contribution to the sector.
Viking’s return marks its fourth straight year backing the celebration, continuing the cruise line’s support for the Australian travel trade, which comes as it ramps up with a major new ship rollout.
Viking ANZ Managing Director Michelle Black said the cruise company eagerly awaits the popular event.
“We’re looking forward to returning as the major sponsor for the NITA Finalist Celebration. It’s a great opportunity for finalists to connect with one another ahead of the NTIA Gala Dinner, and we’re proud to bring a sense of community and camaraderie to the NTIA weekend for the fourth year,” she said.
ATIA CEO Dean Long said the celebration has become a consistent favourite on the NTIA calendar.
“We’re delighted to welcome Viking back as the major sponsor for the 2026 NTIA Finalist Celebration. The support of Viking is essential to the heart of the NTIAs: an atmosphere of celebration and anticipation,” he said.
“Since its creation, the Finalist Celebration has been a consistent crowd favourite, allowing finalists to connect, relax and celebrate with one another ahead of the NTIA winners being crowned the next night.”
ATIA, which has also been taking its Beyond Borders on the Road series to advisors around the country, notes that of the 1.45 million Australians who took an ocean cruise this year, the majority booked through a travel agent, underlining the trade’s role in the cruise sector Viking sits within.
KARRYON UNPACKS: With Viking anchoring the opening night for a fourth year, the NTIA weekend gives advisors two nights of face time with suppliers and peers before winners are crowned on 10 October. For finalists, the 9 October celebration is the industry’s own reward for a year of selling.
