The National Travel Industry Awards recognised those who go above and beyond in the corporate travel sector, with Orbit World Travel, Corporate Traveller and FCM among those honoured over the weekend.
Corporate Consultant of the Year Matt Roberts of Orbit World Travel says it didn’t sink in until the photos and messages started coming through afterwards.
After 30 years in the industry, moments of recognition from your peers mean a lot, he says. Behind his win he adds is years in the industry, an amazing wife and daughter who back him through the highs and lows, as well as the Orbit World Travel team. “I set myself a target years ago to get an NTIA award because I wanted to validate the hard yards, but the hard yards are only possible because of my great team and boss,” Roberts says.
Jason McKay, owner operator Orbit World Travel Nelson, says there was some tough industry competition, ‘but to see our Nelson lad come out on top nationally is testament to the years of hard work and the fact he always goes the extra mile for clients’. “It’s a reflection of the value he brings to his customers’ travel experiences from coordinating high-risk, multi-government charter operations to supporting complex expeditions into remote jungles with no connectivity.”
. . . Agency
Corporate Travel Agency of the Year was FCM Travel New Zealand, which took home the award for a second consecutive year. But it was far from the group’s only win. FCM’s Ashleigh Jarvis took home Customer Advocacy of the Year, and FCM consultant Lacca Du won the People’s Choice Award.
FCM New Zealand gm Kelly Thomas says it’s been a big year for the business and the wider industry. Being recognised two years in a row reflects the consistency and care FCM’s people bring to their customers every day to deliver brilliant travel experiences, she adds: “I’m incredibly proud of our team, and a huge congrats to Ashleigh and Lacca.” Faye Bantjes from Corporate Traveller New Zealand also won Corporate Travel Agency Manager of the Year.
