AAAs shortlists signpost a bright future

The publication of the Agent Achievement Awards shortlists is always a highpoint of the year, and in a difficult period for the travel trade, it is particularly important to recognise excellence within our sector.

I would like to thank the more than 100 suppliers, ranging from tour operators and cruise lines to airlines, destinations and ancillary providers, who took the time to cast their votes for their agent partners.

More: Agent Achievement Awards 2026 shortlists

And, even more so, I would like to extend my thanks to the travel agents and agency bosses who entered this year’s awards in record numbers in order to shine a light on their teams.

As always, not everyone could be successful, and our initial shortlisting panel found it incredibly difficult to narrow the entries down to the shortlists you can find in our five-page special starting on page 11. But even those who narrowly missed out represented what is so great about our industry.

The judging panels will convene next week for four full days of interviews with finalists as they look to select the winners who will be honoured at our gala ceremony on July 9.

And I am particularly looking forward to the sessions featuring our young agents, aged under 20, and the businesses in our One to Watch category, recognising the best of those in operation for less than two years.

The shortlists feature some powerhouses of the industry, but hearing from these rising stars gives all of us involved in the judging a real confidence that the future of the trade is as bright as ever.

Book Agent Achievement Award tickets here