24 June 2024: Connections Travel Group has marked a significant milestone with a powerful message to its supplier community: you are at the heart of our story.
Celebrating its 25th year – and marking three years of local operations in South Australia – Connections Travel Group welcomed over 50 supplier partners to an Adelaide event that kicked off a national series of celebrations, recognising the company’s continued growth and the deep partnerships that have driven its success.
“For 25 years, we’ve grown not in isolation, but in partnership,” said Regional General Manager and Head of Supplier Relations David Padman. “Our suppliers have shaped our journey, supported our teams, and enabled us to deliver exceptional travel experiences across corporate, leisure, and events.”
Framed by the African principle of Ubuntu, meaning “I am because we are” which underpins the company’s values and DNA, the event reflected the deep relationships Connections Travel Group has built across the travel industry. From hotel groups, car hire and airlines to DMCs and tech and other travel providers, supplier partnerships have been central to CTG’s position as Australia’s largest privately owned travel management company.
This philosophy of partnership grounded in a commitment of care, community, and connection has guided CTG’s evolution into a group of three specialist brands: CT Connections, Edge Connections, and Totem Connections. Together, they continue to innovate and grow, supported by supplier relationships that go beyond transactions to genuine, long-term collaboration.
The Adelaide team of Andrea Stidwill, Peta Gil, Kate Lisman, Denis Campbell, and Brad Ellis were recognised for their dedication to supplier collaboration and client care, reflecting the organisation’s belief that local leadership and national scale go hand-in-hand.
“What makes us different isn’t just our service model or our technology,” Mr Padman said. “It’s that we see our suppliers as part of the business, not outside of it. The energy, ideas and commitment of our partners are embedded in everything we deliver.”
Recent investments including in AI and automation, next-gen content delivery via NDC, and a refreshed, market-leading account management model reflect CTG’s ability to lead change, not just react to it. These innovations are designed to enable even deeper supplier integration and customer value.
Connections Travel Group has big plans to drive strong growth in corporate travel, with targeted expansion across its leisure and MICE brands. As it looks ahead to the ‘Ubuntu Infinite’ conference on the Gold Coast, 25–26 July 2025, the focus remains on purposeful growth, meaningful partnerships, and a future built together.
