I was named as a finalist in the 2017 Avis Travel Agent Scholarship. This was the first year that New Zealand Travel Agents could apply. I travelled to Sydney in November 2017 for the final judging panel and the Award dinner. While I didn’t win the overall award, I was honoured to be the only NZ finalist chosen. You can view my Scholarship Application Video below.
Here is the information about the Scholarship:
Avis names four finalists for 2017 travel agent scholarship
In November 2017 finalists were named in the 2017 Avis Travel Agent Scholarship, with mobile travel consultants securing all four finalist spots for the first time in the 21-year history of the retail travel industry’s most prestigious award.
In 2017 the Avis Scholarship adopted a fresh focus on innovation, with judges looking for travel agents who are finding new or novel ways to deliver exceptional customer service. At the same time the celebrated award program was expanded to include New Zealand.
Kaye Ceille, Managing Director Pacific Region, Avis Budget Group, says the response has been outstanding.
“We knew that travel agents on both sides of the Tasman were constantly looking for new ways to engage and serve their customers, but the creativity and level of innovation we encountered has exceeded our expectations,” says Ceille.
“Whether conceiving and implementing a new approach, or re-imagining an established practice, each of our finalists has shown how their efforts have strengthened their connection with customers and generated tangible financial rewards for their businesses.” Avis Scholarship