We were so proud to be named Best Specialty Wholesaler in Australia at the NTIA's on Saturday night!
The NTIA is organised by the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA), recognising and rewarding excellence in the Australian travel industry. The ‘Best Specialty Wholesaler’ category was judged by a team of industry experts, with the winners being announced at the gala dinner event on Saturday 21 July.
Bench Africa General Manager – Martin Edwards took to the stage and accepted the award on behalf of the Bench team, thanking AFTA and the award category sponsors - Travel Trade. Edwards also thanked the other specialists in the category, noting that he was thrilled that there had been more than one Africa travel specialist making it into the finals. For Bench Africa the award has been the culmination of 50 years' experience in developing the highest quality product, strong trade relationships and a brand that epitomises ‘excellence through experience’. Edwards went on to say, “This year is a very special year for Bench because we are about to celebrate our 50thanniversary. What a great way to kick off celebrations!”
Groups and Operations Director Julie De Palo said that she was very proud to be there to receive the award alongside Edwards, “Bench Africa has been a finalist in this particular award category three times now and it is very poetic that we should win in our 50thyear. We are grateful to everyone that has supported us over the years and we look forward to continuing to exceed expectations. I am so proud of the Bench team – both here and in Africa, without whose expertise and dedication we wouldn’t be here.”
Who are Bench Africa?
Established in 1969, Bench Africa is Australia’s original and most prominent Africa safari specialist, soon celebrating 50 years of providing stylish, unusual and utterly memorable Africa holidays. Every member of the Bench family has a true passion for Africa and has travelled extensively throughout the continent, with many having lived and worked there.
In 1969, Charles Bench set up the company, then known as Bench International. With Charles at the helm, the company was soon recognised country-wide as the Africa travel experts in Australia. When Charles retired in 2007, the company was sold to his ground operator in East Africa - Southern Cross Safaris - a Kenya based company with an even longer history of taking clients on quality safaris. Since then, Bench Africa has gone from strength to strength, increasing their portfolio of destinations and variety of experiences offered throughout Africa and the Indian Ocean.
Charles' principles of 'an in-depth knowledge and passion for Africa' will never change at Bench, ensuring that any holiday booked with Bench Africa exceeds expectations!
