Monarch Travel Group chairman Hugh Morgan received the outstanding achievement award at this year’s Globe Travel Awards.
One of the industry’s most experienced and respected figures, Morgan has held a range of senior positions with some of the biggest names in travel, and has also played a key role in the development of tourism in key markets for the UK industry.
Morgan started his career in the industry as an overseas rep for Intasun in Costa Brava, Spain. Since 2002, he has held a variety of positions with Cosmos Holidays and the Monarch Travel Group, playing a central role in the company’s recent turnaround and record profit performance.
Morgan continues to be an elected member of the Abta board, and in 2009 his efforts in furthering tourism to Spain were recognised when he was awarded the Spanish Order of Civil Merit on behalf of King Juan Carlos.
Accepting the award from sponsor Lisa McAuley, head of international leisure and strategic accounts at Avis, he said: “I am flabbergasted; that’s the best kept secret in travel. I have been in the industry for 46 years and so it’s a wonderful gesture to receive this.”
The Penny Akam Unsung Hero Award, sponsored by Affordable Car Hire, went to Michelle Leonard of Travel Counsellors for her tireless fundraising work for Reuben’s Retreat, set up in memory of toddler Reuben Graham, who died of a rare brain tumour in 2012.
Accompanied by her husband, Michelle smashed an initial fundraising target of £10,000, and through a combination of events ranging from ‘Rockin for Reuben’ Elvis tribute nights to golf days has already raised £3,000 of her next target.
Michelle said: “I am shocked to win this. I don’t feel I need to be recognised – how can you not help Reuben’s Retreat? The charity has become part of our life and we will support it forever.”
In the words of Reuben’s mum Nicola Graham: “Our unsung hero has a heart of gold and nothing is ever too much trouble. Her attention to detail is phenomenal, and every event they turn their hands to turns to cash and more support for our cause. I have never met a more genuine couple.”
The Innovation in Travel Award, sponsored by Travelport, was presented to Zolv for its SalesAssist tool. The product was praised by judges for its clarity and execution, as well as for facilitating a true multi-channel approach to customer engagement and sales.
Managing director Olly Wenn said: “We’ve been building clever stuff for the last 12 years and it’s really great to be recognised. In the last year, we have heard how the value of the agent is being neglected, but this re-enables the call centre agent to be side by side with their customers. We give those agents the tools to put inspirational images in front of their customers.”