13 February 2025: It’s full steam ahead for local success story Gallivanter Travel, thanks to the ever-increasing appetite for cruising.
In 2024, more than 400,000 Queenslanders took a cruise holiday. Cruising contributed a record $8.43 billion to Australia’s economy in 2023–24 as its appeal continues to widen and local appetite for cruising has also increased rapidly.
Gallivanter Travel, with locations at Flinders Street and Castletown in Townsville, as well as in Mackay and Rockhampton, is now recognised as one of Australia’s leading cruise specialists. Founded by Debbie Rains, Gallivanter has grown into a premier cruise and travel specialist thanks to local demand.
The business is so successful that it has secured finalist positions in three esteemed categories at this weekend’s Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia Awards.
The agency has been shortlisted for Cruise Agency of the Year Multi Location/Brand - Australasia and Cruise Campaign of the Month, while travel advisor Kyle Barney is a finalist for the Rising Star Award.
Gallivanter Travel’s success demonstrates that regional travel businesses can not only compete but excel at a national level.
Debbie Rains expressed her pride in the agency’s achievement:
“Being recognised on a national stage showcases the calibre of work we do here in North Queensland. Cruise has always been an essential part of our business, and this acknowledgment reflects the expertise, dedication and personalised service we provide to our clients. We are proud to offer world-class travel experiences while remaining deeply connected to our local communities.”
As a valued member of CT Partners, Australia’s leading independent travel-buying network, Gallivanter Travel benefits from strong industry partnerships, premium supplier access and an exclusive network of top-tier travel agencies. The support of CT Partners has been instrumental in enhancing the agency’s cruise offerings and delivering exceptional service to its clients.
CT Partners CEO Matt Masson congratulated Gallivanter Travel on this outstanding achievement:
“This recognition is a testament to the outstanding leadership of Debbie Rains and the entire Gallivanter Travel team. Being named a finalist in multiple categories, including Kyle Barney’s Rising Star nomination, reflects their commitment to excellence in the cruise sector. At CT Partners, we are incredibly proud to support our members as they continue to set industry benchmarks and achieve national recognition.”
The winners of the CLIA Australasia Awards will be announced at a glittering gala event in Sydney this Saturday, where the industry will come together to celebrate excellence in cruise travel. Gallivanter Travel’s nominations highlight the strength of North Queensland’s travel sector and the agency’s growing influence in Australia’s cruise industry.
For media enquiries or interviews, contact LJ Loch at ljloch@alphaconsulting.global or 0488 038 555
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About CT Partners:
Founded in 2004, CT Partners stands out as Australia’s leading independently-owned travel-buying network, consistently championing the interests of its members by passing through 100% of supplier payments and driving innovation. CT Partners’ members are 32 of the most successful independent corporate-travel-management firms and premium-leisure agencies and represent the third largest buying group in Australia, with TTV in excess of $2B in FY24. Each year, CT Partners member businesses look after the needs of more than 2 million travellers.
