Avis scholarship revamp

THE long-running Avis Travel Agent Scholarship of Excellence is evolving this year, with a new focus on service innovation.

The scholarship prize package has also changed, with the 2017 recipient of the scholarship to receive return Qantas flights, accommodation and car hire to either the US, Europe or Asia to attend a PhoCusWright travel industry conference.

Avis Budget Group Pacific Region md Kay Ceille said the scholarship is now seeking travel agents from both Australia and New Zealand “who are conceiving and implementing new or novel approaches to delivering customer service.

“Today’s travel agent operates in a hyper-competitive retail environment and to stand apart, consultants must constantly be looking for clever and creative ways to deliver a genuinely memorable service,” she said.

As well as the travel prize, the winner will receive 12 month’s individual membership of Cruise Lines International Association Australasia, free registration to attend the 2018 Cruise360 conference, two tickets to the 2018 AFTA National Travel Industry Awards and coaching from Polonious Resources.

Rather than the judging panel including the Avis Travel Agents Advisory Board, in 2018 finalists will be judged by previous winners and sponsors.

Entries are open until 09 Oct, with the finalists to present in Sydney before the judging panel on 13 Nov - for more info see www.avisscholarship.com.