Avis has announced the finalists for this year’s Travel Agent Scholarship of Excellence and for the first time in the award’s history all six travel agents are based in New South Wales or Queensland.
Now in its 12th year, the prestigious annual scholarship recognises and rewards travel consultants who can demonstrate a commitment to quality customer service.
The finalists for 2008 are:
Louise Brown – Spencer Travel, Surry Hills, NSW
Barbara Cowley – Travel Managers, Quorrobolong, NSW
Frances Carr – HWT Keperra, QLD
Kim Hatherly – Southside World Travel, Gymea, NSW
Nina Laney – Trailfinders, Brisbane, QLD
Lisa Upton – HWT Noosa, QLD
As in previous years, judges selected the 2008 finalists based on written submissions in which applicants provided details and evidence of their unique approach to customer service.
Finalists will now gather in Sydney on October 7 to make formal presentations to members of the Avis Travel Agents Advisory Board.
The 2008 winner will be announced that evening at the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney.
Valued at more then $30,000, this year’s scholarship includes:
Two business class return tickets to New York flying Qantas
Six nights’ accommodation
Seven days’ car rental from Avis
Two cruise training modules from the International Cruise Council Australia
Multiple one-on-one sessions with a Polonius Resources business coach
$1,000 worth of foreign exchange products from American Express
An honorary position on the Avis Travel Agents Advisory Board, providing opportunities to mix with Australia’s retail leaders
Finalists will stay the night at the five-star Four Seasons Hotel Sydney and take home an Avis weekend car hire and a $50 American Express Foreign Exchange voucher.
For the first time ever Polonius Research will also provide all finalists with a personal online behavioural profile and a consultation session with a professional business coach.
Avis Travel Industry Manager Russell Butler said the 2008 scholarship attracted a record number of submissions, making it one of the most competitive years in the award’s history.
“The fact that so many consultants across the country put themselves forward for the 2008 Avis Scholarship of Excellence is a reflection of both the credibility of this award and the dedication Australian travel consultants have to delivering quality customer service.â€
A Report by The Mole
