Travel Expo draws the crowds

IT’S been an exceptionally busy weekend for many in the Australian travel industry, with land suppliers, cruise companies, tourist boards and of course consultants welcoming thousands of visitors to the World Travel Expo in Sydney.

Flight Centre Travel Group has this year rebranded its annual shows, with more generic branding ( pictured right) and the events featuring sales staff from right across the group’s banners including Escape Travel, Cruiseabout, Infinity, Travel Associates and Flight Centre.

Yesterday the venue at Sydney Showground was packed, with

consumers lining up to look at the plethora of holiday opportunities on offer and many exhibitor stands swamped with interest.

The Travel Corporation had a large presence right across its portfolio, with global ceo Brett Tollman taking part in the action along with Uniworld Boutique River Cruises ceo Ellen Bettridge and the company’s Australasian md John Veitch ( above).

They weren’t the only dignitaries present, with TV celebrity Richard Reid ( left) spotted hobnobbing on the Delta stand with DL’s Aysha Kamaledine and Jamie Swan.

And at right, having a wild old time on the Bench Africa stand at the expo, are Leisa Moyo, Chisholm & Turner Travel Associates; Chris le Roux, Bench Africa; Amba Lebbie, Flight Centre Area Leader; Katelyn Quinlan, Bench Africa; and Philippa Enright, Escape Travel Macquarie Centre.

Lots more pics from the expo now online at facebook.com/traveldaily.