The APT Travel Group’s Lou Tandy Named EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ 2027 Consumer Category Winner

26 October, 2026

The 2027 award win comes in the same year the business celebrates its centenary, marking a significant milestone for both Lou and The APT Travel Group.

Now in its 26th year, the globally recognised EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ program celebrates visionary business leaders who are reshaping industries and driving economic growth. The Australian awards recognise the nation's most outstanding entrepreneurs and form part of one of the world's most prestigious business leadership programs. As the third generation of her family and first female to lead The APT Travel Group, Lou Tandy has been instrumental in shaping the company's next chapter, balancing a proud family legacy with a bold vision for future growth.

As the business approaches its centenary, The APT Travel Group is entering one of the most exciting periods in its history, pursuing opportunities across new markets, expanding its portfolio and continuing to set new benchmarks in luxury travel. Guided by the same entrepreneurial spirit that has defined the company for almost 100 years, the business remains focused on delivering exceptional experiences for guests around the world.

Lou Tandy said: "This award is incredibly meaningful because it recognises something that has been part of our business from the very beginning. When my grandfather started the company almost 100 years ago with a single bus, he saw an opportunity and had the courage to pursue it. That pioneering mindset has been passed from generation to generation and remains at the heart of everything we do today.”

"I hope my journey can be a positive example that entrepreneurship doesn't stop with the founder, or even the second generation. Third-generation family businesses can be just as entrepreneurial. It takes courage to take risks, challenge convention, continually innovate and sometimes reinvent what's come before us, while staying true to the values that made the business successful in the first place.

"I'm incredibly proud of the passionate and talented people across The APT Travel Group who bring that entrepreneurial spirit to life every day. This recognition is very much shared with them."

CEO David Cox said the win was a testament to Lou’s leadership and her role in driving innovation across The APT Travel Group.

"This recognition reflects Lou's leadership and her commitment to ensuring The APT Travel Group continues to evolve while remaining true to the values that have guided the business for almost 100 years," said Cox.

"As we prepare to celebrate our centenary, we are entering a period of significant opportunity and growth. Lou’s leadership and focus on the long-term success of the business will play an important role in shaping our next chapter.”

The award comes at a significant time for The APT Travel Group’s history, honouring not only Lou’s contribution as a third-generation leader, but also the legacy of a family-owned company that has grown into one of Australia’s most respected travel companies.