The Phil Hoffmann Travel journey humbly began from Gordon Street, Glenelg in 1990 with just Phil and two staff. Phil’s goal at the time was to have a total of five staff and play golf on Wednesdays.
Thirty-five years later, with over 160 staff, nine branches and 13 National Awards and counting, Phil Hoffmann Travel has established itself as an icon of the South Australian Travel industry. Phil remains as a company Director & Ambassador and believes the biggest asset is the company’s team of passionate and qualified South Australians.
Our ongoing success is driven by major shareholder, Managing Director & CEO, Peter Williams, long-time leader and now COO, Michelle Ashcroft and a dynamic senior leadership team, with a focus on culture and innovation, and a goal to be the best travel employer in Australia, offering the best travel experience to create memories for a lifetime to our highly valued customers.
We believe travel connects and reconnects people to the world, and each other, and have never been more excited about the future!
The evolution of Phil Hoffmann Travel
Since its inception, Phil Hoffmann Travel has built an impeccable reputation amongst the travelling public for quality, value and personalised service. When Phil Hoffmann established his own agency in Glenelg in 1990, he had a vision of providing his customers with something extraordinary – inspiring travel experiences coupled with outstanding customer service. Phil’s foresight and love of cruising saw him open Australia’s first dedicated cruise centre over 30 years ago, along with an exclusive escorted groups program to offer the South Australian market unmatched product and experiences. It is this approach that has enabled the success of this multi-award-winning business in a competitive and challenging market.
Managing Director and CEO Peter Williams joined the company in 1993. Establishing himself at Glenelg with a passion for exceptional service and people management, Peter opened Phil Hoffmann Travel’s second branch at Norwood in 1996, before returning to Glenelg in 2003 as a Director. Peter’s strategic vision for growth and diversity across the business has seen Phil Hoffmann Travel grow to 9 locations across South Australia, offering the company sustainability and the consumer competitive choice. Peter’s ability to embrace technology coupled with a drive to offer exclusive products negotiated through superior supplier relationships, has seen the business lead the market nationally in numerous destinations and products, whilst recognised by industry peers culminating in many national awards.
Teamwork
A commitment to offering travellers the best in customer service, knowledge and experience, along with a value on employee loyalty and the desire to create careers paths for our team, has seen Phil Hoffmann Travel invest in continued training opportunities. Our team of 100+ consultants, led by a highly productive and driven senior leadership team, are supported by a dedicated product team as our epicentre of knowledge. Our highly experienced and long-serving Corporate Travel department offers over 200 businesses the highest level of personalised service and experience, supported by a business development team of four to maximise business, leisure, group travel and specialised event and conferencing opportunities.
Achievement
Dedication and consistency in delivering the specific needs of the traveller have quickly earned the company an enviable reputation from its competitors and affiliates. In 1994, Phil Hoffmann Travel was awarded the prestigious title of ‘Best Retail Travel Agency’ for the first time at the AFTA National Travel Industry Awards – one of many esteemed accolades and awards it has won, an unprecedented 12 times since, and most recently taken out the title of CLIA’s Large Cruise Agency of the Year in 2023.
Community
As a great community supporter, Phil Hoffmann Travel generously sponsors over 50 charities, clubs and associations through fundraising, sponsorship and volunteer work. More than just a travel agency, PHT offer Italian cooking and language classes.
Growth
Today, the proudly South Australian, family-owned business employs over 160 staff. A loyal following of key staff and clients, along with pre-eminent supplier relationships, combined with innovation, ambition and maintaining a strong family culture have all been instrumental to the success of Phil Hoffmann Travel.