The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) has named the finalists across the individual categories of the 2026 National Travel Industry Awards (NTIAs), as competition intensifies ahead of the October awards gala in Melbourne.
The top five ranked submissions in each category have progressed to finalist status, with ATIA reporting a larger pool of nominees and a higher calibre of entries this year.
Nine individual categories recognise travel industry talent
The individual awards span nine areas of the Australian travel sector, recognising advisors, consultants, managers and sales executives.
Categories cover mobile and home-based travel advisors, travel agency managers, corporate and leisure consultants, new talent, and sales executives working across air, cruise, tour operator and wholesale businesses.
The finalists will now progress to industry judging, with winners to be announced at the NTIA Awards Gala at Crown Melbourne on 10 October 2026.
Competition builds for NTIA 2026
ATIA CEO Dean Long said increasing competition reflected the strength of talent across the Australian travel industry.
“The NTIAs are getting more competitive every year, and these travel professionals are representing the industry with excellence that really shows their commitment to their work,” Long said.
“Congratulations to all the finalists, we’re looking forward to celebrating with you in Melbourne!”
The individual category announcement follows the release of finalists across the NTIAs’ voted and judged business categories, building towards what ATIA says is on track to be the biggest edition of the awards to date.
NTIAs head to Melbourne in October
The NTIAs are one of the Australian travel industry’s major annual recognition programs, bringing together travel advisors, agencies, suppliers and other industry professionals.
ATIA represents Australia’s $70.6 billion travel industry, with its members recording $26.9 billion in retail booking transaction value during the 2025/2026 financial year.
The complete list of 2026 NTIA finalists is available online from 09:00 on 7 August.
