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NTIA18 WINNERS: What did APT do to win 'Best River Cruise Operator', again?

There aren't many travel brands that can say they've won an award since its inception. There also aren't many travel brands that can say they've won more than one award on a single night. APT can.

There aren’t many travel brands that can say they’ve won an award since its inception. There also aren’t many travel brands that can say they’ve won more than one award on a single night. APT can.

APT had plenty to celebrate on Saturday night when it was named ‘Best Domestic Tour Operator’ AND Best River Cruise Operator at the 2018 National Travel Industry Awards (NTIAs).

CONGRATULATIONS ???

Haven’t seen the full list of winners yet? Click here.

Steve Reynolds, APT’s Chief Executive Officer, attributed both awards to dedicated staff and believes that they along with the mantra to ‘delight the customer’ are the reason for the company’s ongoing success.

He told KARRYON that employees always push to satisfy guests and Agents by going above and beyond expectations.

Read on for more of what he had to say:

 

What does being recognised by the industry in this way mean to you?

To win Best Domestic Tour Operator and Best River Cruise Operator, is a true testament to our dedicated teams here in Australia, overseas and on the road.

At APT we strive to provide an outstanding product to Agents and guests, to have this recognised by AFTA is a great achievement for us all here at APT, it’s confirmation that we are focusing on the right priorities.

 

What are some little or big touches you and the team make to ensure you leave a positive impression on Agents/clients?

APT is a client-centric brand, everything we do stems from our mantra “delight the customer”, from guests to Agents we always strive to go above and beyond their expectations to ensure their experience with APT is ‘Unforgettable’.

We don’t shy away from fixing issues when they occur, and I think this approach has gone a long way to building the very positive relationship we have with our Agents and customers.

 

What are some changes the brand has made over the last year that would have contributed to your success this year?

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APT has a strong focus on continuous improvement and innovation. We don’t rest on our laurels, which as industry leaders would be easy to do, instead we continue to invest in our people, products and service to ensure we grow and continue to be leaders in the industry.

In the last 12 months, we have introduced our 7th touring style, Tailor Made Journeys. We have also continued to invest in our extensive range of land and cruise itineraries with a variety of new shore excursions in Europe and significant capital investment in our Kimberly touring vehicles and luxury lodges, all these factors and more have come together to contribute to our success this year.

 

What would you recommend to other brands hoping to win in future years?

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The NTIA awards recognise the very best travel Company’s, so my advice is to be the best in your respective category, focus on quality in everything you do.

 

How important is your organisation to the industry?

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As the sole winners of the Best River Cruise Operator since the award’s inception, I would like to think that APT have set and continue to maintain the benchmark for the industry and we take that role very seriously.

We work in close partnership with all of the retail travel agency networks, and through this approach have and continue to bring lasting benefits to the industry as a whole.

 

What do you love about the industry?

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It’s an industry that connects and unites people. It educates, informs and opens up opportunities for people to have amazing experiences and satisfy their curiosity for this amazing planet we all share.

At a time when there seems to be so much reported division around the world, to be part of something that recognises that we have vastly more in common as humans than we have differences, is very rewarding and satisfying.

 

What do you think the future holds for the travel industry?

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Growth, growth and more growth! With innovations in ship design, long-haul flight improvements and an increase in destination marketing the travel industry is an exciting sector to work in!

 

What’s your advice for people thinking of joining the industry?

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Don’t question it for a second, if your passion is travel, why not make it your career and join us!

 

READ: Congratulations to all the NTIA winners – find out who they are!

READ: Top Agents discover APT’s Emerald Ireland Tour

READ: APT launches Tailor Made Journeys

Join us in congratulating APT on a job well done. CONGRATULATIONS.