CT Connections Celebrates 25 Years with National Honour at the 2025 NTIA Awards

Australia’s Leading Independent Travel Group Recognised for Excellence and Innovation

CT Connections has been named Most Outstanding Australian-Owned Travel Management Company at the 2025 Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) National Travel Industry Awards (NTIA), marking a momentous milestone in its 25th anniversary year. The accolade recognises CT Connections’ unwavering dedication to innovation, customer service, and its leadership in shaping the future of business travel in Australia.

Hosted at The Star in Brisbane, the NTIAs are the travel industry’s most prestigious awards, celebrating excellence across 38 categories that represent the full spectrum of the Australian travel sector. Backed by Major Sponsor Singapore Airlines, the NTIAs honour organisations that inspire confidence, deliver exceptional service, and set new standards of excellence for Australian travellers.

A Quarter Century of Australian-Owned Success

This latest award caps off a landmark year for Connections Travel Group, founded by Gary Reichenberg in 1999. Over the past 25 years, the group has grown into Australia’s largest privately-owned travel business, encompassing CT Connections (corporate travel), Edge Connections (luxury leisure travel), and Totem Connections (meetings, incentives, conferences, and events).

At the heart of CT Connections’ success lies Reichenberg’s “Ubuntu” philosophy – “I am because of you, we are because of each other” – which shapes the company’s culture and approach to client service. This people-first ethos has been central to the company’s reputation for building lasting partnerships, grounded in mutual trust and respect.

Driving Technological Innovation in Corporate Travel

CT Connections has earned its place at the forefront of travel management innovation by leading industry change rather than following it. The company was the first Australian Travel Management Company to access Qantas’ Premium New Distribution Capacity (NDC), enabling clients to benefit from real-time savings, enhanced booking functionality, and greater transparency in air travel.

This forward-thinking approach is part of CT Connections’ ongoing commitment to using technology to simplify travel, enhance the customer experience, and empower clients with smarter, more efficient solutions.

Celebrating People, Purpose, and Partnership

Gary Reichenberg, CEO of Connections Travel Group, expressed his pride in the achievement, especially as it coincides with the company’s 25th anniversary.

“To receive this honour in our 25th anniversary year is incredibly special,” Reichenberg said. “CT Connections was founded on the belief that an Australian-owned business could stand proudly on the global stage by combining world-class technology with genuine, personal service. This recognition is also a celebration of our people and our Ubuntu philosophy — I am because of you, we are because of each other. Our success is built on shared purpose, mutual respect, and the trust of our clients, partners and team. As we look to the future, we remain committed to growing with integrity, leading through innovation, and always putting people first.”

Setting the Standard for the Future of Travel Management

ATIA CEO Dean Long praised CT Connections’ achievement, highlighting the company’s leadership within the industry.

“In winning this award, CT Connections exemplifies the quality, innovation, and professionalism that make Australia’s travel management companies world-class,” Long said. “Their win on the weekend is a testament to their commitment to clients, their investment in people, and their contribution to the broader travel community.”

As CT Connections looks ahead, its focus remains on driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and championing Australian excellence in global travel management. With a proud legacy and a clear vision for the future, the company continues to redefine what it means to be a truly outstanding, Australian-owned travel partner.

CT Connections

Website: www.ctconnections.com.au
Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA): www.atia.org.au

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