Alice Ager is not your average travel industry leader. With over 15 years in travel—from the bustling hotel scene of Asia to the refined elegance of luxury cruising—Alice brings depth, charisma, and a human touch to every aspect of her work. Today, as Managing Director of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises in Australia and New Zealand, she’s steering the brand forward with heart, humour, and a deep love for transformational travel. We caught up with Alice to hear more about her journey, her family adventures in Egypt, and what trends she thinks will define travel in 2025. Can you start by introducing yourself? Tell us a bit about your background and your role in the travel industry. I’m Alice! I started in the travel industry 15 years ago in hotels across Asia and then moved into luxury cruising—10 years in total, from selling luxury ocean voyages with Regent Seven Seas to now heading up Uniworld’s river cruise offering across Australia and New Zealand. I currently lead our sales, marketing, and reservations teams here in ANZ. What inspired you to get into the travel industry, and what keeps your passion alive? It started with a new boyfriend (who’s now my husband!) telling me he was off to Africa for work—with British Airways. He casually mentioned he was “hosting a famil,” and I was immediately intrigued. All I wanted to know was: what’s a famil and how do I host one of those?!  Fifteen years on, I still love hosting famils and seeing agents experience the magic firsthand. What’s one travel experience that’s really stayed with you? Last Christmas, we took our teenage boys on Uniworld’s Splendours of the Nile  itinerary in Egypt, and it was unanimously voted our best family holiday ever. As a parent, it was a dream to travel without the stress of logistics—everything was seamlessly handled. But what made it extra special was what came after: we all became obsessed with ancient Egyptian history. We’re still following archaeological news together as a family! Just a few weeks ago, a new tomb was discovered in the Valley of the Kings—King Thutmose II. Our dinner table conversations have never been more exciting. Managing Director, Australia & NZ, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises Where do you think travel agents should focus their attention in 2025? I’ve got two suggestions. First, get to know the Genesys  marketing tool—it’s brilliant for sending automated and tailored EDMs to your clients. Second, make the most of ABC (Agent Bring Consumer)  events that cruise lines offer. These events are such a powerful sales tool and often under-utilised. At Uniworld, we call them Aperitivo with Uniworld —they’re relaxed, social, and super effective. uniworld.com/events What’s a fun or surprising fact about you? I’ve hosted more famils than I can count, but the buzz never fades. Every trip still feels like a fresh adventure, and I secretly judge destinations by how much fun they are to host! 😄 Alice’s infectious energy, insight into the luxury market, and down-to-earth love for storytelling make her a standout in the travel space. Whether she’s hosting agents, leading a team, or sailing the Nile with her kids, Alice reminds us that travel is at its best when it’s both seamless and full of soul. Alice Ager & Pri Mills catching up during #AIME25

At TADA24 in Melbourne, we had the pleasure of recognising some of the industry’s finest professionals, and one of them was Philip Clapé  from Holidays Beckon . Winner of the Outstanding Europe Destination Achiever award , Philip’s expertise in crafting unforgettable European travel experiences is truly inspiring. We recently caught up with him to learn more about his journey in travel—and hopefully, we’ll see him again at TADA 25! How Did You Get Started in the Travel Industry? From an early age, I knew I wanted to work in travel. While my career initially took a few detours—including a stint in finance—an opportunity in the airline industry helped me find my true calling. I began with TAA/Australian Airlines in Darwin, working in reservations and group travel, before moving into yield management, training, and system development. I was fortunate to be part of a team developing a groundbreaking revenue management system, which gave me a deep understanding of the strategic and analytical side of the industry. I also worked at Cairns International Airport , handling passenger check-in, baggage hall assistance, and boarding gate management. Later, I joined a hospitality management company , coordinating the flight booking operations to their resorts on the Great Barrier Reef. These experiences gave me a broad and practical view of the industry from the ground up. Later, after taking a redundancy when the airline merged with Qantas, I transitioned into Healthcare I.T., a field that pushed me in new ways. But my heart was always in travel, and after moving to Trinity Beach, I saw the perfect opportunity to return to my passion—this time on my own terms. With Holidays Beckon , I now bring my years of industry expertise into creating highly personalised, seamless travel experiences for my clients. Philip Clapé from Holidays Beckon — Winner of the Outstanding Europe Destination Achiever award at TADA24. Most Memorable Trip You’ve Planned? While I specialise in European destinations, one of the most rewarding trips I’ve ever planned was a bespoke South American adventure. My clients had meticulously researched their dream itinerary and needed an expert to bring it all together. From the Bolivian salt flats to Machu Picchu, Iguazu Falls, and Patagonia, I worked with a trusted supplier/destination expert who crafted  an extraordinary, fully tailored itinerary. Their journey even included the Belmond Hiram Bingham luxury train and a flyover of the Nazca Lines—experiences that took their trip from great to unforgettable. When they returned, they told me it wasn’t just a holiday—it was a life-changing experience. Moments like these remind me why I love this industry. Advice for Aspiring Travel Agents? Find your niche and own it. With the rise of online booking tools, clients aren’t just looking for someone to book a trip—they need an expert who understands their unique travel style and can craft experiences they wouldn’t find on their own. Instead of trying to be everything to everyone, focus on what excites you most, whether it’s luxury cruises, solo travel, or bespoke itineraries. When you specialise, you attract the right clients, build strong supplier relationships, and position yourself as a go-to expert. This is particularly true for baby boomers, who are among today’s most active travellers. Many do extensive research before approaching a travel agent—but what they really need is insight, reassurance, and expert guidance to bring their vision to life. Philip’s Must-Know Travel Tip For cruise travellers, be mindful when booking shore excursions. While independent operators may offer unique experiences or cost savings, always ensure a guarantee that you’ll return to the port on time. Booking through the cruise line is the safest option, as the operators maintain direct communication  with the ship. Some third-party providers also guarantee a timely return, but not all do—so always check the policy before committing. A little planning goes a long way in ensuring a stress-free cruise experience! Final Thoughts From airline strategy to personalised travel planning, Philip Clapé’s  journey in the travel industry has been one of passion, adaptability, and dedication to his clients. His ability to craft seamless, unforgettable experiences has made him a trusted expert in the field. No doubt, he’s got more incredible journeys ahead—we can’t wait to see where travel takes him next, hopefully back at TADA 25! 💡 To all travel advisors: Find your niche, embrace your expertise, and create unforgettable journeys —that’s what makes all the difference. Find your niche and own it.” — Philip Clapé, reminding us that specialising is the secret to standing out in today’s travel world.

In an industry where authenticity and expertise are key, Anna stands out as a supplier leader who is redefining what it means to connect travellers with the perfect travel experiences. Here’s a closer look at her remarkable journey and vision for the future. A Bold Leap from Corporate to Wanderlust Fifteen years ago, Anna made a courageous decision—leaving behind a corporate marketing career to pursue her lifelong passion for travel. “I wanted to help people experience their dream holidays,” she recalls. Starting as a travel agent, Anna quickly built a loyal clientele that trusted her expertise to craft memorable journeys. As her reputation grew, she transitioned into a home-based role, focusing on repeat and referral business—a model that allowed her to deliver truly personal travel experiences. Anna Shannon, Founder of Travel Agent Finder Pivoting in the Face of Adversity The global pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to the travel industry. Like many, Anna found herself at a crossroads when her role as a travel agent was disrupted. However, instead of stepping away from her passion, she returned to her marketing roots—this time with a renewed focus on supporting the travel industry in crisis. “I started working in marketing again, outside of the industry, but soon realized I could make a difference for small local businesses and owner operators struggling to juggle everything,” Anna explains. Innovating with Purpose Determined to empower her peers, Anna launched Travel Agent Finder —a platform designed to help travellers find agents based on expertise, and in doing so, bolster the online presence of travel agents. Recognizing an even larger gap, she later introduced Travel Trade Connect . This extension not only facilitates connections between agents and suppliers but also provides access to vital resources, events, training courses, and destination information. With over 1,000 members now benefiting from her platform, Anna’s work is a testament to the power of digital marketing and personal branding in today’s travel landscape. The Power of Personal Branding Looking ahead to 2025, Anna believes that travel agents must embrace personal branding. “It’s not just about the brand you work for, but you—your individual expertise, reviews, and passion. That’s what truly attracts clients,” she emphasizes. By showcasing their unique skills and personal touch, agents can rise above the competition and offer unparalleled travel experiences. Some fun facts about Anna! Anna has a deep love for conspiracy theories, the paranormal, and anything that makes you question reality. She thrives on the unexplained and the unexpected! And if you try to put her in a box? Well, she’ll probably jump out—just to keep things interesting Looking Forward Anna’s journey—from corporate marketer to industry innovator—illustrates the transformative power of passion and resilience. By blending traditional travel expertise with cutting-edge digital marketing, she is not only helping travel agents thrive but also reshaping the industry for the better. Stay tuned as we continue to spotlight visionary leaders like Anna who are driving change and inspiring new standards in travel.

We caught up with Dennis—one of the founding “Bunniks” behind Bunnik Tours—to chat about his remarkable journey in the travel industry and the passion that drives him every day. Can you start by introducing yourself? Tell us a bit about your background and your role in the travel industry. “Hi, I’m Dennis and I’m one of the Bunniks behind Bunnik Tours. We create small group tours that connect people, places, and cultures. As one of the joint CEOs, I oversee our brand, external partnerships, finance, and IT. I’ve also had the privilege of chairing the Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) for the past 10 years, leading industry lobbying efforts during the challenging covid years. My career began at Hilton Hotels in London, followed by a role at Qantas Holidays where I gained my qualification as a chartered management accountant. For the past 30 years, I’ve been on an incredible journey with our family business—from a small Adelaide travel agency to the renowned Bunnik Tours we know today.” What inspired you to pursue a career in the travel industry, and what’s kept you passionate about it over the years? “My mum, Marion, has worked in the industry her entire life—even before I was born! Growing up in a family of avid travellers made a career in travel a natural choice. I know it sounds corny, but what I love most is that we get to make people’s dreams come true. And, of course, the thrill of travel itself never fades—I still get excited every time I’m at the airport, even if I’m just heading to Melbourne.” What’s the most memorable trip you’ve worked on, and what made it so special? “It’s tough to choose just one! Escorting our very first tour through the 5 Stans last year was unforgettable. I was in Egypt when the Arab Spring revolution broke out and had the unique, surreal experience of evacuating all our clients. And then there was the first overseas trip post-covid—a tour to Sri Lanka where the shared sense of joy and freedom was simply incredible.” Dennis in Amazing Egypt What’s one trend or innovation in the travel industry that you think travel agents should focus on in 2025? “For me, it’s not about chasing the latest trends but getting back to the basics: building genuine connections with clients and sharing your love and passion for travel. When you get those fundamentals right, everything else falls into place.” How do you see the role of sustainability evolving in the travel industry, and how can travel agents implement more eco-friendly practices? “I believe we’re moving towards a more holistic view of sustainability. It’s not just about carbon offsets or reducing plastic—it’s about doing the right thing in every aspect of the travel experience. This means lessening our environmental impact, benefiting the local communities we visit, and even addressing issues like travel consultant burnout and over-tourism. Every step of the process needs to reflect a commitment to sustainability.” What’s a fun or surprising fact about you that not many people know? “Most people already know about my YouTube channel—I just can’t stop talking about it! What started as flight reviews for travel agents and travellers has grown into a behind-the-scenes look at the airline industry. I’ve filmed everything from time spent with aircraft engineers in Edinburgh and Dublin to exploring what happens to airline blankets between flights.” For more insights from Dennis and a closer look at Bunnik Tours’ journey, check out his work here:🔗 Bunnik Tours  | 🎥 YouTube Channel Dennis: Trailblazing Leader in Global Travel