The Australian travel industry is mourning the death of Tony Millmore, former AFTA board member and past AFTA president (1978) and life member of Skål International Australia.

A true travel industry stalwart and pioneer, Tony started his career in the 1950’s with the Overseas Visitors Clubs in London and later New Zealand, before moving to Sydney in 1968 to open the Atlantic and Pacific offices. He remains best known, however, for his 23 years as owner of the leading wholesaler at the time: Venture Holidays.

Venture Holidays successfully created wholesale products across all Asian destinations, as well as the USA and Canada. Tony earned a fantastic reputation throughout these destinations and was noted for his sales success, integrity, deep knowledge and genuine love of travel.

Tony also built Venture’s reputation, and his own, by delivering the highly successful Frank Hyde Group Tours, 2UE’s Garden Tours, Gordon Rugby tours and sponsorship, and his ownership of Easts Travel working with the Easts Leagues Club. In addition, Tony introduced to Australia the brands of Holland America Line, Tauck World Discoveries, Windstar Cruises and Delta Steamboat as their local GSA.

Tony’s enthusiasm for travel, kind nature and even temperament had a lasting influence on those employed by Venture over the years, many of whom remained in touch with him throughout his life.

Tony is the father of Andrew Millmore (Travel the World executive chairman) and Louise Millmore (owner of Easts Holidays). Both worked with Tony throughout the 1990s and continue with roles in the travel industry today.

Surrounded by his loving family, Tony died at St Vincent’s Hospital on Monday morning after suffering complications from a routine operation. He was 89.

Tony will be missed tremendously by his family, his friends, his colleagues and many in the industry who knew him well. There will be a private family service this Friday and information about a ‘Celebration of Life’, welcoming all friends and colleagues, will be advised as soon as possible.

Edited by Peter Needham

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