Bicton Travel, Australia’s most awarded independent travel agency, is celebrating 25 years in business this week, marking a quarter of a century of delivering exceptional holidays to West Australians.
Carole Smethurst, Managing Director, founded Bicton Travel in 1998, and what started as a team of two quickly grew to become one of Australia’s most successful travel agencies.
“I am extremely proud to celebrate Bicton Travel’s 25th birthday,” said Smethurst, reflecting on this significant milestone. “Over the years, it has been so rewarding to see the business go from strength to strength and one that continues to be recognised as a leader in our industry.”
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She continued, “And of course, we wouldn’t be here without our exceptional team and the continuous support of our clients, who put their trust in us to deliver their fantastic holidays year after year.”
Earlier this year, Bicton Travel took home the Small Cruise Agency of the Year award at the 2023 CLIA Awards, marking the company’s ninth category-winning award.
Realising early the appetite Australians have for cruising, Smethurst remains one of Australia’s foremost cruise experts. In 2016, her contribution to the cruise industry was formally recognised as she was inducted into the CLIA Hall of Fame. The same year, Smethurst was also named godmother of the luxury APT ship, the 158-passenger, AmaStella.
In 2018, as a way to give back to the local community, Bicton Travel raised $50,000 for Camp Quality at their 20-year anniversary celebrations, a charity that provides help and support for children whose lives are affected by cancer. This year has been an exceptional year of growth for Bicton Travel, with the agency acquiring Claremont Cruise and Travel Centre, establishing the brand’s second branch and continuing the business’s renewed focus on providing luxury and premium travel services.