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To date, we are holding bookings for 132 passengers, including 54 on round-the-word itineraries,” Michael concludes. “It’s a very encouraging result in the current environment: a substantial morale boost for PTMs whose livelihoods have been impacted by COVID, and something to look forward to for clients who have been grounded for much of 2020.

The reality is that 2020 has been anything but ordinary, but it takes more than a global pandemic to stop this band of travel professionals from getting together virtually to recreate the same atmosphere of fun and solidarity as they’ve come to expect from their conference weekend – with plenty of competitive spirit thrown in for good measure.

“Anyone who needs or wants assistance is able to access up to six free support sessions per year,” Michael explains. “The NAP program is designed to complement all the other support mechanisms we have in place, such as business development, marketing, and mentoring.”

“I was at a pretty low ebb when I walked away from my desk,” says Caroline, “but the trip, and my clients’ response to the blogs I wrote along the way, have reignited the passion I feel for what I do. I’ve been reminded of the importance of sharing travel experiences with your clients, letting them know when you’re back for them and dangling a few tempting options in front of them.”

For travel industry personnel who have been deprived of their regular travel fix during 2020, there can be few more idyllic ways to enjoy an afternoon than with an indulgent lunch cruise on beautiful Sydney Harbour with a small group of colleagues

“Finding a new normal” has been heard a lot of over the last six months as people face the reality of job losses, travel restrictions and lockdowns. For the many travel professionals this has meant being prepared to apply skills to new work opportunities

Look behind the home-based personal travel managers (PTMs) spread across Australia and you’ll find a team of people hard at work to ensure that they have all the support they need to succeed.

With the demands that 2020 has presented the travel industry, Lisa could be forgiven for feeling ready to throw in the towel and try something else. But she insists that the assistance received from her Business Partnership Manager, the NPO team and her fellow PTMs has kept her strong, and her outlook remains positive.

“The support we have continually received from Karen and the rest of the National Partnership Office (NPO) team has been amazing,” Emma confirms. “COVID has been tough on everyone, and we really wanted to show our appreciation for Karen’s support not just this year but from the outset of Belle Adventures.”