In a spectacular gathering at London’s Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel, the 2024 Agent Achievement Awards celebrated excellence among travel agents and agencies. This esteemed event brought together professionals from across the UK and Ireland to honour remarkable achievements.
With over 700 attendees, the awards ceremony, in partnership with Celestyal Cruises, highlighted both individual accomplishments and collective resilience within the travel industry. The event was co-hosted by radio and TV personality Jordan North and Travel Weekly’s editor-in-chief Lucy Huxley, adding charm and excitement to the proceedings.
Celebration of Excellence
The Agent Achievement Awards celebrated the dedication and success of outstanding agents and agencies in the UK and Ireland. Held at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London, this prestigious event attracted over 700 attendees, showcasing the vibrant spirit and collective accomplishments of the travel industry. The ceremony, co-hosted by the renowned Jordan North along with Lucy Huxley, sought to acknowledge the hard work and resilience of travel agents during challenging times.
Notable Winners and Achievements
Among the distinguished honorees was Laura Bennett from The Personal Travel Agents, who secured the Leisure Agent of the Year award, marking a significant milestone in her 20-year career. Her strong commitment to delivering memorable family holidays has been a cornerstone of her success. Angela Taylor of Oasis Travel was celebrated as the Leisure Manager of the Year, a testament to her leadership in transforming her team through times of adversity. Her personal narrative of resilience was a key highlight at the ceremony.
Young Leisure Agent of the Year was awarded to Sian Freestone from Sunlounger Travel, acknowledging her perseverance and dedication despite beginning her career amidst a global pandemic. Caitlyn Cope, at just 18, was recognised as Agency Support Team Member of the Year for her exemplary performance with Blue Bay Travel, reflecting the nurturing environment and strong mentorship in the agency.
Recognitions for Large Agencies
The awards also paid tribute to larger agency successes, with Hays Travel emerging as a standout winner. They were awarded the Large Agency category for both the North East and London and the South East, in addition to receiving the prestigious national Large High Street Agency of the Year and Best Large Agency to Work For awards.
The Good Travel Agent was identified as the One to Watch for the coming year, underscoring its potential to make significant impacts in the travel industry. Meanwhile, Barrhead Travel’s notable achievements in sustainability were recognised with the Sustainability Champion of the Year award, a testament to their commitment to environmental responsibility.
Impactful Contributions to the Industry
Amanda Matthews and Karen Pocock of Designer Travel received the Outstanding Contribution to the Industry award for their exceptional work. Their commitment to elevating the travel sector and supporting peers was lauded by attendees and industry leaders alike.
Special accolades in mental health awareness were extended to Hayley Gadd from Hays Travel and Lisa Martindale from The Travel Freaks, highlighting their proactive efforts in promoting mental wellness within the sector. These awards resonate with the industry’s expanding focus on addressing mental health issues among travel professionals.
Success Across Regions
The awards ceremony recognised the contributions of agencies across various regions, celebrating local successes alongside national achievements. In Northern Ireland, Oasis Travel was a proud recipient, while Cassidy Travel took home honours in the Republic of Ireland category.
In Scotland, Stewart Travel and Barrhead Travel were highlighted for their outstanding performance, further affirming Barrhead’s leadership in the large agency segment. Across various regions of England and Wales, agencies were acknowledged for their unique contributions, with names like Garstang Travel and Althams Travel gaining distinction for their excellence.
New Initiatives and Future Prospects
This year’s awards also served as a platform to spotlight innovative initiatives and future aspirations within the travel industry. The introduction of new training modules by agencies like Tipto, designed to enhance the skills and competitiveness of travel agents, received significant attention.
Agencies are increasingly focusing on sustainable travel solutions and digital advancements to meet evolving consumer demands. These forward-thinking strategies are poised to shape the future landscape of the travel industry, ensuring resilience and continued growth.
A Night of Entertainment and Networking
The evening was not just about accolades but also a vibrant celebration of the community spirit among travel professionals. Entertainment from Peter Andre and performances by musical theatre talents, including The Barricade Boys, added a touch of glamour and enjoyment to the proceedings.
The awards night provided an invaluable opportunity for networking, with delegates interacting and exchanging ideas, paving the way for future collaborations and partnerships. Such events foster a sense of unity and shared purpose in the travel sector, encouraging innovation and mutual support.
The 2024 Agent Achievement Awards successfully showcased the exceptional talent and dedication within the travel industry, highlighting both individual and collective accomplishments. As agencies continue to innovate and adapt, the future of travel looks promising and filled with opportunities for growth.
