Travel Agent Michelle Mangio named Top Aussie Specialist by Tourism Australia

October 13, 2007 (PRLEAP.COM) Travel News
(Attleboro, MA) – With a 2007 Opal Award win, local Michelle Mangio is named one of the best travel agents specializing in selling vacations to Australia. The Opal Awards, presented annually by Australia’s national tourism organization, Tourism Australia, honors the top North American ‘Aussie Specialist’ travel agents and their efforts in marketing, promoting and selling Australia.

Michelle Mangio, Travel Consultant and Owner of Magical Escapes Vacations won an Opal Award for Best FIT (Fully Independent Travel) Itinerary during the Opal Awards Gala Dinner, sponsored by Qantas Airways at the Cypress Lakes resort in the Hunter Valley, Australia. This Award recognizes Mangio’s excellence in planning fully independent and custom itineraries for clients that create true Australian experiences. She was also nominated as a runner-up for two other Opal Awards: Best Consumer Event and Best Overall Marketing Campaign.

This year’s competition saw a high caliber of entries from over 6,000 qualifying ‘Aussie Specialists’ that are eligible to enter the award.

“The competition and quality of this year’s entries was astounding. Michelle Mangio is an excellent example of a great Aussie Specialist, showing real passion, commitment and creativity in working with her clients and industry,” said Mr. Luke Jones, Tourism Australia, Acting Vice President, The Americas.

162 agents from America and Canada traveled to the Hunter Valley for the awards and annual training conference called Corroboree.

The three-day event was a celebration of Australian experiences, and Aussie Specialist travel agents met over 100 representatives from rail journeys and reef encounters to luxurious hotel stays and cruises on Sydney Harbour.

Michelle Mangio described her pride in winning her award.

“As an Aussie Specialist Premier, my clients know they are working with a true expert on Australia. I have the latest information and access to the best hotels, things to do, and travel deals. My job is to know all the things about Australia that my clients can’t Google.

I love Australia, I love traveling there. I want to share my passion and knowledge with my clients, so that they will have an experience they will always cherish. For many people, Australia is the trip of a lifetime, and I want to be sure it truly is that for them. Winning the Opal Award for Best FIT Itinerary is an affirmation of planning unforgettable Australia vacations – but the real award comes from my clients, when they return home happy.”

I feel truly honored to win this Opal award and be recognized among a group known to provide outstanding and knowledgeable service.”

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For questions or expert advice on travel and deals to Australia, contact:
Michelle Mangio on 1-866-698-7849 or michelle@magicalescapes.com at Magical Escapes Vacations, or visit online at www.magicalescapes.com.

Magical Escapes Vacations is a travel agency specializing in creating personalized travel experiences to destinations throughout the world. Michelle Mangio, owner of Magical Escapes, is a Premier Aussie Specialist, South Pacific Destination Specialist, and a certified Honeymoon and Destination Wedding Specialist.