The clearest signals of who we are as a sector often appear in the moments no one expects. Twelve people from seven travel agencies travelled across states at their own cost to support a consumer travel expo they had no obligation to attend. They came because of friendship. Because unity still matters in this industry, and their work became a quiet display of the shared strength that keeps our sector moving forward. Together in travel.
A turnout with no call-out for help
Canberra’s Epic Travel Expo drew more than 4,000 visitors and its four Travellers Choice host agencies (Jamison Travel, Travel Makers, Weston Cruise & Travel and Queanbeyan City Travel & Cruise) knew the day would run best with broader support.
“We were overwhelmed by the level of demand last year, and we knew this year would be even bigger,” Jamison Travel Director Michelle Everson said.
“We didn’t put out anything asking other members to come along, they just volunteered. It really distilled the whole culture of Travellers Choice into a single day.
“Receiving support from experienced colleagues meant we were able to deliver a much better experience for everyone involved.”
Burnie Travelcentre’s Kathy Granger flew from Tasmania to Melbourne, where she picked up Boomerang Travel Centre’s Debi Kitt, who had driven 200 kilometres from Kyabram before they continued on to Canberra together.
“It was wonderful to see our friends as we got the show ready, but the minute the doors opened I didn’t time have to talk to anyone but the punters,” said Granger.
Riverland Travel’s Zoe Eagleton and her team flew in from Maclean in New South Wales a couple of days ahead of the event to “make a team weekend of it”.
“We visited Floriade, enjoyed massages and even did some glass blowing,” Eagleton said.
“We also used it as a training opportunity for the team because being a regional agency we don’t always get to see some suppliers. It was the first time we were able to see the coaches used by Langley’s and Outback Spirit.”
“I’ve already plugged it back into calendar for next year.”
All for one and one for all
Other volunteers supported charity activity linked to the group’s long-running sponsorship of Bong Bong, a rescued moon bear at Animals Asia’s Vietnam sanctuary.
EMBARK Travel’s Michelle Barker managed the fundraising table.
“You just can’t replicate the kind of culture that makes something like that possible,” Barker said.
“Everyone helps without expectation and because it’s just great seeing your friends succeed.
“Plus, I got a free T-shirt. I would help them out again in a heartbeat.”
What the turnout signals for the wider industry
The event’s momentum pointed to a broader pattern across the industry and showed how Travellers Choice members often activate support networks that extend far beyond their own agencies. Consumer travel shows are regaining traction in regional centres as travellers seek direct access to expertise. These events rely on operational resilience because gaps in staffing or coordination can impact visitor experience. Canberra demonstrated how dispersed agencies can contribute labour that lifts capacity without inflating costs.
Together in Travel
This industry learned during the COVID years that its greatest strength lies in collective action. That instinct carried all of us through border closures, rolling uncertainty and constant change. It’s easy to forget that muscle in the rush of recovery and now routine, but the turnout in Canberra showed it has not faded.
What happened at the Expo reminds us of something fundamental. When we step forward for one another, competitor or not, events gain momentum, pressure eases and outcomes lift. Canberra was a clear demonstration of what collaboration can still create when people choose to act together.
Travellers Choice members will meet in Melbourne this week for the company’s 2025 Conference, a three-day event offering panel discussions, networking sessions and a range of keynote speakers, along with a Preferred Supplier Exhibition and the Travellers Choice National Awards Gala Dinner. Karryon will be reporting live, so stay tuned for updates.
KARRYON UNPACKS: Canberra showed how unity can shift the commercial and operational trajectory of a consumer travel event.
