Insider Journeys (formerly known as Travel Indochina) has been awarded the 'Best Speciality Wholesaler' at the premier travel industry event of the year, the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) National Travel Industry Awards (NTIA) held last night at the Dockside Pavilion, Darling Harbour.

Acknowledged for its Asian expertise, Insider Journeys' scooped the category which recognises the highest Australian standards of excellence in a company which packages international or domestic products. The award is judged by an independent panel of leading travel industry experts.

Managing Director and Co-Founder, Paul Hole says the company is honoured to receive this recognition from AFTA.

“It not only demonstrates our excellence in customer service and the quality of our Small Group Journey package offerings but also our success in upholding our high standards in the rebranding transition period from Travel Indochina to Insider Journeys,” says Hole.

“For our dedicated team, the 'Best Specialty Wholesaler' award is a sign of things to come as we continue to build strength in our new brand.”

After 22 years as Travel Indochina, the Asia travel specialist rebranded to Insider Journeys on 2nd February 2015 – the final month of the NTIA 2015 awards eligibility timeframe – a decision Mr Hole says was not made lightly.

“In recent years as we've expanded well beyond the Indochina region into much of Asia including Japan, China, India, Sri Lanka and Bhutan, we've been torn over changing our name, which reflects our heritage, to something that better articulates who we are,” explains Hole.

“We now feel that with 22 years' history and experience, we've 'come of age' and the time was right to make this major change that captures the notion of richer, more intimate travel experiences in the style of travel we offer,” he said.

“The NTIA recognition is really the icing on the cake as we celebrate 22 years.”

ABOUT INSIDER JOURNEYS

Insider Journeys has been operating Small Group Journeys and tailor-made holidays to Asia since 1993, formerly under the Travel Indochina name. Offering journeys to Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, China, India, Sri Lanka, Japan, Burma, Mongolia and Bhutan. Insider Journeys has seven offices across its Asia destinations, Western tour guides and English-speaking local guides.

Insider Journeys' idea is simple – to explore and share the essence of Asia's history, culture, natural beauty and, most importantly, people. The company has a commitment to responsible travel and a belief that travel is an exchange of knowledge and perspectives, cultures and wealth.

For more information and bookings, Insider Journeys' Asia experts can be contacted on 1300 362 777 or visit www.insiderjourneys.com.au.

For great travel adventures and stories, follow the Insider Journeys team at http://www.insiderjourneys.com.au/blog, on Twitter @InsiderJourneys.