Some lucky members of the travel media got to quaff French champagne and admire the panoramic Harbour views from the new and very funky Sydney office of AmaWaterways this week.
Celebrating the opening of the Australian office in style, AmaWaterways’ U.S.-based co-owner Gary Murphy and Managing Director AU/NZ Steve Richards introduced the team and cut the ribbon, exclaiming “we are open for business!”
Richards said it was only in August last year that Mr Murphy announced the company was going to break away from its GSA arrangements and open a Sydney office to chart its own course in Australia. He also thanked Murphy for taking the chance to hire him!
Also attending was a very special guest of honour – cruise veteran and Virtuoso travel agent Barbara from Bondi who was responsible for the first local AmaWaterways booking in Australia.
Mr Murphy said the opening of an office in the heart of Sydney was a “magical moment”.
“You talk about marking time in your life. What is life like? Memory stitched together by forgotten time, right. So, this is a moment that will always get captured.”
Murphy, the son of Irish immigrants, said the AmaWaterways story was a humble one.
“Optimism and opportunity? You put them together and you can create wonderful things.
“It’s important for all of us at Ama; not only should the clients enjoy their vacation time, but also that we all enjoy working together. And I get that feeling here.”