1987.
That year may seem a long time ago, but it was a pretty important one in Western Australia’s sporting history. Not only were the West Coast Eagles invited to join the Victorian Football League, but the America’s Cup was held in Fremantle. During the state’s hosting of the prestigious sailing event, I was asked to help out with the management of sponsorship requirements for the race. This was when I first got involved with the Motive Travel that you know and love today.
What’s better than a beer with the Motive Travel gang?However, it wasn’t until 1989 that I took over ownership of Motive Travel from Clive Nelthorpe and Mike Nevin, the men that started it all the way back in 1973. In the quarter of a century or so that has passed since I grabbed hold of the Motive Travel reigns, we’ve been organising outstanding travel not only to revered sporting events, but concerts, business functions, and all manner of other special occasions. It’s been one hell of a ride, and it’s one that I want to continue for as long as possible.
Motive Travel stands alone
It’s no secret that, over the past year or so, Motive Travel were thinking about merging with such firms as Holiday Planet and Asia Escape Holidays, forming what was to become known as the Australian Travel Group. However, in recent months, this merging of several companies, including ours, did not go ahead. For reasons technical and complicated, the deal fell through.
I’m still here, working as hard as ever to ensure that Motive Travel is still the number one choice for those looking to get away for a while
So, what does the future hold for Motive Travel? Simply put, it means business as usual – Motive Travel remains, and what’s more, so do I. This company has been an important part of my life for the best part of 30 years, and I’ve seen it grow from a family-owned, humble Western Australian business to one that’s still run by me, but offering so much more to our valuable customers. Even if the sale had gone ahead, I would have remained with my hand on the Motive Travel helm for a further three years to keep things nice and smooth – the Motive Travel way – if you will.
I’m staying for good
However, because, in the end, the deal didn’t happen, I’ll be here at Motive Travel for a much longer period than three years. I’m still here, working as hard as ever to ensure that Motive Travel is still the number one choice for those looking to get away for a while. Additionally, I’m always looking to put on new tours to outstanding sporting events around the world, and this is something that will never change.
Don’t listen to the rumours and tittle-tattle that you might hear about me having left or sold Motive Travel – I’m still in charge of the company, and I’m here for good. I’m more enthusiastic than ever before, and I want to ensure that this particular Western Australia travel agency continues to serve its loyal customers in the finest, friendliest way possible for years to come. Now, you can’t be any clearer than that, can you?
As always, I’ll be at the AFL Grand Final 2015 – it will be my 40th consecutive one, so this occasion is something of a personal milestone for me. I hope to see a fair few of you there in Melbourne – especially if we have a Western Derby on our hands, what a game that will be!
Kind regards,
George Michalczyk
Motive Travel has been a big part of my life for the best part of 30 years – and it’s going to stay that way.
