APT celebrates 90 years in the industry

APT kicked off its 90^th birthday celebrations with a glittering Roaring Twenties party.

Some 300 well heeled travel agents, industry and cruise leaders turned up at the historic Plaza Ballroom next to Regent Theatre in Melbourne’s posh Collins Street for a night to remember. And celebrate they did.

Dancers kitted out in roaring 20’s costume greeted guests

The family-owned company headed by Geoff McGeary and his children Robert and Lou Tandy, then told the gathering the APT story. Geoff McGeary inherited the bus company from his father Bill in the early 1960’s at the tender age of 20. From a suburban touring bus, the company is now a global travel and cruise empire with several brands including APT, Travelmarvel, Captain’s Choice and Botanica.

And the secret of his success? Perseverance.

He added that the key is to “know what the customer wants before they do.’’

As his daughter Lou says: “The company has led the way for nearly a century, with the focus always on the customer and our people, that’s going to continue.’’

It was an occasion to be seen, mingle and network.

The head table was anchored by Geoff McGeary, wife Anne, daughter Lou, Phil Hoffman of the same name travel company and celebrity chef and APT ambassador Luke Nguyen and partner, Lynne.

At another table, McGeary’s son, Robert was hob-nobbing with other VIPs. Then there was Flight Centre boss Graham Turner catching up with other industry players at another table.

It was also a night to honour some of APT’s best performing travel agents with executive general manager marketing and sales Deb Fox taking the stage. Helen Paulus of Geelong Travel won the highest accolade as the highest selling consultant for 2016.