PRESS RELEASE: From Viral Video Stars to ‘Best Youth Tour Operator’ at Global Youth Travel Awards
Welcome to Travel Crowned ‘Best Youth Tour Operator’ at Global Youth Travel Awards
From Backpacker Beginnings to Global Recognition: The Journey of Darryl Newby and Adam Ogle’s Welcome to Travel.
Welcome to Travel (https://welcometo.travel/), founded by Darryl Newby and Adam Ogle, has been honoured as the ‘Best Youth Tour Operator in the World’ by the WYSE Travel Federation at the Global Youth Travel Awards held in Lisbon.
Best mates from Scarborough, UK, Darryl and Adam arrived in Australia in 2010, and travelled extensively before finding work within tourism. In 2016 they noticed a change in the backpacking experience. Smart phones had changed the landscape of hostels and travellers were no longer connecting like they once did. In this change, Darryl and Adam saw an opportunity.
Welcome to Travel was launched in 2017, with their first tour Welcome to Melbourne (https://welcometo.travel/tours/8-day-welcome-to-travel-melbourne/) running in January 2018. An eight day tour ticking off Australian bucket list items, being greeted at the airport, having travel admin sorted for, and onward travel plans organised. Even more importantly, instant friendships are formed and maintained long after the tours are over. The community and connection that Darryl and Adam had felt in 2010, had been revived. With this successful blueprint in place they expanded their offering to Sydney in 2021 with Welcome to Sydney (https://welcometo.travel/tours/welcome-to-sydney/).
Welcome to Travel were one of the pioneer youth travel brands to embrace video marketing, and created the viral Facebook video ‘Things Never Said By Backpackers’ (https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=392241631241686) which helped them become a recognised brand. Their success has come from innovative marketing, and an unwavering dedication to providing customers with exceptional experiences and service.
When Darryl heard Welcome to Travel called out he said ‘it felt like a rockstar moment, seeing all our partners who have supported us giving us a standing ovation in Lisbon is literally what dreams are made of’.
About Welcome to Travel: Founded in 2017 by Darryl Newby and Adam Ogle, Welcome to Travel is a youth tour operator dedicated to transforming the backpacking experience. With a focus on connection and community, the company offers unique tours and services that ensure travellers have unforgettable adventures. With 28 staff and offices in Melbourne and Sydney and community events and tours to keep travellers connected, Welcome to Travel continues to set the standard for youth travel. With a freshly launched tour to the East Coast to join their suite of tours, Welcome to Travel continue to grow and innovate.
