Comment: It’s an honour to honour you

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We had tears, screams, fist-pumping and much embracing of colleagues, as names were announced and agents came to the stage to collect their trophies.

Some, like Beth Collins of Premier Travel, our Young Agent of the Year, was stunned that she had won, shaking in disbelief as she accepted her thoroughly deserved award.

Leisure Agent of the Year, Joanne Saunders of Midcounties PTA, was beaming from ear to ear as she collected her accolade from TV host Stephen Mulhern.

One of the most memorable moments for me was when Baldwins Travel in Kent and East Sussex was named as Small Leisure Agency of the Year for London and the South East – it’s 10th consecutive year of winning. What an incredible achievement. And how lovely it was when joint managing directors Nick and Chris Marks waited for their father Ron to arrive, before taking to the stage together to collectively accept their award. Such respect.

There were many more special moments throughout the night, but it was summed up by Silversea Cruises managing director Lisa McAuley, who wrote to me the next day, saying:

“Loved meeting one young agent in particular – 19-year-old Craig Campbell of Barrhead Travel. He was a delightful, enthusiastic and grateful young finalist and it genuinely made me smile when seeing the event through his eyes – totally in awe!

He reminded me of why these events are so important.”

Lisa is spot on. Our industry is full of incredible businesses and individuals up and down the country. It’s not just important, but also a true honour, to recognise them.

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