Comment: AAA entries are a credit to the sector

I chair a lot of panels in the travel industry but one I oversaw last week was arguably one of the hardest.

It was a panel charged with shortlisting entries for the 2023 Agent Achievement Awards, and with more submissions than ever before, it was no mean feat.

We read some truly incredible entries from managers, agents and support staff, in addition to those launching their own businesses and others trying their best to look after the mental health of their staff, their local communities and the environment.

I know it’s a cliché, but I really wish we could hand out hundreds of trophies at this year’s ceremony as there are countless individuals so worthy of recognition for what they have achieved.

We may be out of the pandemic, but the past 12 months have still been challenging – so to have had so many entries is nothing short of remarkable. Time and time again we read about agencies and individuals smashing targets, launching initiatives and doing all they can to support colleagues, despite staff numbers, resources and marketing budgets remaining below full strength.

You can now find out which agents and agencies eventually made the cut. They will each be interviewed by panels of judges next week, who will have the tricky task of picking a winner for each category.

I can’t wait until we finally get to crown the cream of the crop at the Park Plaza Westminster Hotel on July 13 – my favourite night of the year!

More: Agent Achievement Awards 2023 shortlists unveiled