Geoff McGeary OAM passed away surrounded by family just shy of his 84th birthday this week.

He was an Australian industry legend, the man who took his father Bill McGeary’s fledgling coach touring business in his teens and turned it into a global travel empire.

In a statement, APT said that McGeary will be remembered for his kind, optimistic, collaborative, and humble personality.

“His legacy and spirit lives on at APT through the leadership of his children, Robert McGeary and Lou Tandy, and the APT board as they carry forward his values, passion, and commitment to delivering…travel journeys.”

McGeary formally passed the torch on to his two children at the end of 2023, with the duo taking the ethos of their father’s business and evolving it in the land and cruise segments, including a flurry of new ships in Europe.

In a 2023 interview with travelBulletin, Lou Tandy reflected on her childhood and how her father always had a vision of building a multigenerational business and pass the baton onto herself and her brother.

“He has been preparing my brother and I since we were kids, from countless hotel inspections on our family holidays, road trips that were actually tour planning trips, merging holidays with work, and that’s just how it has always been – the business has been our life,” she said.

Rob described taking over APT as a “life-long transition”.

“We grew up with travel around the dinner table,” he recalled.

“Either dad wasn’t there because he was busy in Alice Springs, Los Angeles or London working on the business, or when he was there, we would be talking about how a coach is stuck in Cairns because of a cyclone – so the business of travel was happening around us all the time.”

Accolades in McGeary’s six-decade career included being awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2014 for services to tourism and philanthropy, as well as becoming an Australian Tourism Legend at the 2015 Qantas Tourism Awards.

Forums have been flooded with condolences from the travel executives across the spectrum, with CATO MD Brett Jardine leading the tributes, labelling him “a true pioneer” and a “towering figure” in Australian travel.

“As the visionary behind APT, Geoff shaped not only a company but an entire sector, building one of the country’s most respected touring businesses from humble beginnings,” Jardine said.

“Geoff was a generous leader and mentor whose legacy is woven into the fabric of the travel industry,” he added. APT was also one of the founding members of CATO.

“We will miss you calling in for the opposition’s brochures, Geoff,” said Julie Avery, Managing Director at Brighton Travelworld and The Cruise Wizards.

“My favorite all-time memory is of you driving us back to Brighton from the MCG in the red white and black mini Minor with Oh when the Saints come marching in blaring all the way home on repeat.”

Peter Egglestone also shared his sympathies on social media:

“I am saddened by this news. Geoff was such an inspiration to many and a huge pillar in the travel industry. I loved listening to Geoff’s many stories,” he wrote.

Meanwhile, Abercrombie & Kent MD Debra Fox spoke of how highly she thought of McGeary and considered him a mentor.

“A kind and courageous leader and visionary. Thank you Geoff for helping me to be the person I am today,” she said.

Regent Seven Seas’ VP Sales & GM Lisa Pile also fondly recalled McGeary’s impact on the industry.

“Geoff’s passion, innovation, and unwavering dedication shaped unforgettable journeys for generations of travellers,” she said.

“His legacy lives on in every corner of the world touched by his work — and in the hearts of all who knew him.”

Globus family of brands Managing Director Chris Hall added:  “Like many who have expressed their thoughts on Geoff, I too was lucky enough to spend 20 years working for and with him. What a privilege that was and what a legacy he has left personally for me and for so many others – thank you, Geoff.”

The McGeary family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to APT’s foundation, OneTomorrow, in support of Parkinson’s disease research – see more info .

Memorial details will also be shared in due course.

Read more about Geoff McGeary’s legacy