THE Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association annual awards evening is well established as the country’s top travel event.
This prestigious occasion in the Scottish social calendar will be attended by the cream of the trade in Scotland, along with travel partners from around the UK.
As the world’s oldest travel trade organisation, SPAA’s presidency also enters a new era with the first female ever to be elected to the position, Val Foylan who is managing director of Bell Travel.
Set up in 1921, SPAA celebrates its 70th annual dinner this year, which organisers said sold out in a week of the 560 tickets being available.
“We have three major social events a year in Scotland, but for some reason this encapsulates them all,” said Foylan, who officially takes on her new role on the evening.
Once again the event will be held at the Glasgow Hilton on November 4. “Due to high demand, we had considered staging a bigger event at a larger venue, but decided it was best to keep the numbers limited. It will be a night to remember,” said Foylan.
Some 17 awards will be given on the night, including Travel Agency of the Year and Best Tour Operator.
The accolades are always fiercely contested, including the Ronald Sibbald Agent Trainee Award which recognises the best young person in the business. Scottish Airports, Travel Weekly and OAG are the key sponsors of the night. A cocktail reception will precede the evening’s events rounded off by music and dance.