Tribute to SA travel pioneer with a love of the Middle East
A travel pioneer has died after devoting decades to sending South Australians to exotic locations across the globe.
One of South Australia’s travel pioneers Margaret Hill has died aged 93 with her daughter, Diana, by her side.
Hill was born on September 14, 1932, and started her career in South Australian newspapers before discovering a lifelong passion for travel.
In 1967, Margaret travelled overseas to Malaysia and Singapore with her husband and young daughter, followed by her first European holiday in 1971.
From that moment on, travel industry stalwart Phil Hoffman said she well and truly caught the travel bug. As a mature-aged student, Hill returned to study and found her niche in the travel industry—one she would never leave.
In a tribute, Hoffman said Hill’s expertise “allowed us to offer unique experiences that few other agents could” and he often called her the ‘godmother of Middle East destinations’.
You might like
Travel was not just her career, but her calling, he said.
Margaret had a particular love for the Middle East and was widely regarded as an expert in the region. She often said that no Egyptian itinerary was complete without a visit to Abu Simbel, a place she felt should never be missed.
Throughout her career, Margaret worked with Stewart Moffat Travel, YALLA Tours, and later International Destinations in Sydney, where she shared her knowledge, enthusiasm, and genuine care for her clients.
Hoffman said Hill was the original product manager for Stewart Moffat Travel, the wholesale operation where he was managing director in Adelaide before starting Phil Hoffmann Travel.
Stay informed, daily
“She had an extraordinary passion for the Middle East, from Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Turkey, Oman, Syria, and beyond, and it showed in everything she did,” he said.
“Her love for Egypt was unmatched, and she delighted in designing stunning itineraries that took travellers on unforgettable journeys.”
When Moffat Travel moved on to other ownership, Hill returned to Phil Hoffmann Travel, focusing on international destinations in the Middle East.
“I often called her the ‘godmother of Middle East destinations.’ Her expertise allowed us to offer unique experiences that few other agents could, and her energy and commitment to these regions were truly one of a kind.
“I feel privileged to have worked alongside her and to have shared many incredible journeys with her. Margaret’s passion, knowledge, and warmth will be deeply missed.”
