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Benalla Travel | Who We Are
An independently-owned, award winning travel management company that offers professional advice, expertise and highly personalised service for savvy leisure and corporate travellers. Based in Benalla, North East Victoria.
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Who We Are

WHO WE ARE 

Travellers aspirations have certainly evolved over the past decades, from the simple beach holiday with family and friends, to group and private tailor-made travel that focuses on social, environmental and cultural awareness, in every corner of the world! Over the last thirty years working in and loving travel, we have been privileged to have travelled (to almost every nook and cranny) though out the world! From simple to luxury, ‘slow travel’ pleasures through to fast paced adventure and experiential travel – not to mention the trials and tribulations of modern day travel, we have experienced it all!

Of course our travel designers, all have their favourite destinations, sprouting their favourite hotels and insisting we eat at particular restaurants – but if Benalla Travel has one secret to share it’s the importance of the journey, from the excitement of the planning to the precise details we put in place in getting you there, with-out drama, stress and in the comfort your accustomed to!

In 2024 we are on the hunt for the most exciting, unique and interesting travel adventures which we want to share with you. Whether it’s up-to-the-moment travel information on new destinations and hotel openings or the latest travel news on all the old favourites, from what’s happening in art, design, architecture and culture to what chef’s are cooking where – we love keeping up with what’s [travel] hot.  We hope our travel blog inspires you, as we wish to share our personal stories and experiences of fabulous hotels and award winning airlines, link you to our travel partners and create creative and innovative travel experiences for you. Anywhere and everything is possible!

We are an independently-owned, award winning travel management company offering professional advice, expertise and highly personalised service for savvy leisure and corporate travellers.  Based in North East Victoria, Benalla Travel brings a world of travel to both city and regionally clients Australia-wide. With over thirty years of professional travel industry experience, we believe that great travel should be not only incredibly inspiring, but relaxing and safe.

We understand that travel time is precious and we’re experts at planning complex itineraries and smoothing airline connections, saving you time and energy. We believe great travel experiences start with great hotels that have taste, soul and come in a range of styles.  Followed by great food experiences that explore the past and present, and cultural experiences that define the people and places you explore.  Both corporate and leisure travellers will benefit from our long-standing industry experience and connections which means that we can find you the best fares, seats, accommodation and insurance to suit individual and company travel requirements.  We also understand that travel can turn tricky so we are only a phone call away, taking care of any travel dramas 24/7.  Our experienced travel designers Amelia Saunders, Stephen Coulter, Catriona Doyle-Hill and Managing Directors Frank Stephens and Fiona Stephens are very pleased to chat about your travel requirements, so please call to make an appointment!

ACCREDITATION’S

The Travel industry has a number of governing bodies and membership networks that keep us professionally informed and accountable. We are a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) and the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).  

IATA  .  The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is responsible for regulating the aviation travel industry across the globe.  Full accreditation authorizes travel agents to sell international and/or domestic tickets on behalf of airlines.  Benalla Travel is an IATA certified travel agency which is a seal of approval recognized worldwide demonstrating superior qualifications and security.  

ATIA  .  The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) is the peak industry body that represents the interests of travel professionals and businesses.   The ATIA Travel Accreditation Scheme (ATAS) is an industry accreditation scheme that sets the benchmark of quality for the travel industry.  Benalla Travel is ATAS accredited.  

                                                           

MEMBERSHIPS 

Memberships  to travel organisations and to invitation only events opens doors and provides connections, insuring our clients benefit from exclusive airfares, hotel rates,  privileges and complimentary benefits.  

CT PARTNERS  . Benalla Travel is a member of CT Partners, the largest and most influential independent travel buying network in Australia. Established in 2004, CT Partners comprises 28 of the largest independent corporate travel management firms and premium leisure agencies, with a combined turnover in excess of $1 billion and growing. CT Partners size and positioning in the Australian Travel sector, along with the unique model, offers Members full financial transparency and full pass through of supplier incentives, which means that our clients benefit from access to the most competitive air, hotel, car rental, technology and insurance rates available. We have a global presence through our membership of the Radius Travel Network, making it easy for you to do business wherever you are in the world.

VIRTUOSO Member Virtuoso® is the leading global travel agency network specializing in luxury and experiential travel. This by-invitation-only organization comprises over 1,200 travel agency locations with more than 20,000 travel advisors in over 50 countries throughout North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East. Drawing upon its preferred relationships with more than 2,200 of the world’s best hotels and resorts, cruise lines, airlines, tour companies and premier destinations, the network provides its upscale clientele with exclusive amenities, rare experiences and privileged access.

THE 1000 CLUB  .  A Club for the World’s Most Influential Travel Advisors – Frank Stephens made this elite list of top 1000 travel advisors world-wide.

ILTM  .  International Luxury Travel Market connects the finest luxury travel professionals to luxury travel partners and hotels from around the world.

PURE LIFE EXPERIENCES  .  PURE Life Experiences, bringing together the world’s best suppliers and travel specialists in high-end experiential travel.

XO PRIVATE  .  Specialist travel designers that truly stand out within the marketplace with regard to servicing the most discerning of travelers.  Creativity, expertise as well as a perfect understanding of the finer things in life are just some of the elements which offer a competitive advantage over others.

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SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Living and working in regional Victoria we understand the importance of local community engagement and the positive impact that sponsorship can have within our community.  We are proud to support our region through sponsoring local community group events and projects, cultural institutions, schools and sporting clubs.

BENALLA TRAVEL THANKS 

Photography courtesy of Jamie Durrant Essentials Magazine and Multimedia [ www.essentialsmagazine.com.au ] and Andrew Ashton Photography [ www.ashtonphoto.com.au ].

Editorial content by Fiona Stephens, Elise Wackett, Jacque Durrant and Richard Cornish.