Nominations for the 2025 National Travel Industry Awards (NTIA 2025) are now open – and the award categories have had a makeover.
This year, 36 awards will spotlight talent, innovation and professionalism across all corners of the industry. Some old favourites have been refreshed, while others have been retired, with new prizes stepping into the spotlight.
The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) says the awards return with a sharper, more streamlined list of categories designed to better reflect the modern travel landscape.
For instance, gone are the leisure agency categories split by location count (i.e. Most Outstanding Leisure Travel Agency – Single Location and Most Outstanding Leisure Travel Agency – Multi Location). Instead, you’ll now find:
- Most Outstanding Independent Leisure Travel Agency – for agencies with their own unique branding
- Most Outstanding Branded Leisure Travel Agency – for businesses trading under a recognisable brand, capped at 20 locations
Meanwhile, to be in the running for Most Outstanding Branded Travel Agency Group, nominees now need at least 20 branded locations, ensuring brand strength is front and centre.
Other changes to the awards include:
- A new team award for Most Popular Reservations / Groups Team – a first-time nod to collaboration in action
- Updates to travel advisor and sales executive awards criteria, reinforcing ATIA accreditation standards
- A new focus on program quality in training, with the former institution category now Most Outstanding Travel Industry Training Program
“The NTIAs celebrate the achievements of those who lead and inspire our vibrant travel industry. These new and refined categories ensure the awards reflect the breadth and innovation of our sector today,” ATIA CEO Dean Long says.
The category shake-up follows feedback from the industry and added input from NTIA Custodians, who ATIA says continue to uphold the credibility of the awards.
“The role of the NTIA Custodians has never been more important. Their insights and guidance ensure the NTIAs continue to maintain the highest standards of credibility and distinction,” Long states.
The celebration culminates at the NTIA Gala in Brisbane on 18 October, following ATIA’s second Beyond Borders Summit.
NTIA 2025 nominations close on 21 May. Check out the full list of awards at http://www.atia.travel/NTIA2025
“The appetite of Australia’s travel community to promote and support excellence in the sector by nominating, voting and attending the NTIA celebrations grows exponentially every year and we already know from inquiries that 2025 will be no different,” Long says.
“This is your chance to recognise and honour the incredible talent and contribution that drives our industry forward so get nominating!”
Last week, ATIA shared the key dates and venue ahead of this year’s Beyond Borders Travel Summit and NTIA 2025.
