Comment: Agent Achievement Awards finalists are an inspiration to all

Full 2018 Agent Achievement Awards shortlist

Last week, I had the pleasure of chairing the judging for our 2018 Agent Achievement Awards.

And yet again, as every year, I was blown away by the agents who came in to present to our panel of judges.

From leisure managers who lead incredible teams and are clearly adored by their staff, to fantastic agents who achieve outstanding customer service levels, we saw the very best of our industry.

My personal favourites were the nominees for the Young Agent of the Year: teenagers on apprentice schemes, often selling more than colleagues who had been agents for years. Many are running their agency’s entire social media strategy and involved in local community events and organisations above and beyond their remits. What dedication, and what an inspiration to us all.

So many fascinating stories came out of the judging days of canny agents jumping on opportunities to give them a unique hook to sell more holidays or offer personal service to loyal clients.

No wonder on-the-ball agents like these are thriving, despite other ways for customers to book holidays.

Our story about Myriad Travel taking the biggest risk in its history to serve its local football fans was just one tale that caught our attention.

We will be featuring more over the coming weeks in the run-up to the AAAs in London on July 12, as we look to celebrate the very best in the sector.

The only bad thing was having to choose just one winner in each category as all the nominees were so deserving.

What an honour it will be to crown the overall winners this summer.

Full 2018 Agent Achievement Awards shortlist