Top agents and agencies honoured at 2024 Agent Achievement Awards

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: Designer Travel co-founders honoured for outstanding contribution

Gallery: Agent Achievement Awards 2024

Agents and agencies from across the UK and Ireland have been honoured at the 2024 Travel Weekly Agent Achievement Awards in London.

The event, held in partnership with headline sponsor Celestyal Cruises for the first time, took place at London’s Park Plaza Westminster Bridge hotel with more than 700 guests in attendance.

The coveted awards were presented by radio and TV favourite Jordan North alongside Travel Weekly editor-in-chief Lucy Huxley, while entertainment was provided by singer and TV personality Peter Andre and stars of musical theatre Bradley Jayden and The Barricade Boys.

Coveted individual awards included Leisure Agent of the Year, won by The Personal Travel Agents’ Laura Bennett; Leisure Manager of the Year, won by Oasis Travel’s Angela Taylor; Young Leisure Agent of the Year, won by Sunlounger Travel’s Sian Freestone; and Agency Support Team Member of the Year, won by Caitlyn Cope from Blue Bay Travel.

Multiple award winners included Hays Travel, which won the Large Agency category in the North East and London and the South East in addition to the national Large High Street Agency of the Year and Best Large Agency to Work For awards.

Outstanding Contribution honours went to the co-founders of Designer Travel, Amanda Matthews and Karen Pocock, while The Good Travel Agent picked up the One to Watch Award.

The Mental Health Matters award was won by Hays Travel’s Hayley Gadd and Lisa Martindale of The Travel Freaks, while the Sustainability Champion of the Year categories were won by Earthwise Travel (small) and Barrhead Travel (large).

: Designer Travel co-founders honoured for outstanding contribution

Gallery: Agent Achievement Awards 2024

Winners’ reaction

Leisure Manager of the Year, Oasis Travel’s Angela Taylor

"I was asked to manage the Hollywood office after a turnaround in management instead of my Belfast office. I walked the streets to gain the respect of the community because it was very close knit. I had to get people in the community to believe in me and turn the staff around after a difficult time in Covid. A lot of people had lost relatives; I lost my sister, so this award is for her.

"I had to build the shop up again through determination and belief. It took three years. It’s not about the figures - they are important but it’s about the people and rapport. This award means everything to me; I am so proud to win but it’s all for the team."

Young Leisure Agent of the Year winner, Sunlounger Travel’s Sian Freestone

"I feel very proud. I started in the pandemic and there have been a lot of challenges, but it’s all been worth it.

“There are so many good people in the industry, so to have won this award is amazing."

Leisure Agent of the Year winner, The Personal Travel Agents’ Laura Bennett

"I genuinely didn’t expect to win. It’s incredible, I will remember this forever. It’s my 20th year in travel and what a brilliant way to celebrate.

"I love my job and I’m very passionate about family holidays. I’ve got two children of my own and I believe all families should be able to access family holidays."

Agency Support Team Member of the Year winner, Blue Bay Travel’s Caitlyn Cope

"It feels unbelievable. I can’t describe the emotions really. It just makes everything worth it – everything has come to this one moment, so I’m buzzing. I’m lost for words.”

“I don’t think I’d be where I am without Blue Bay because the support has been unbelievable. I’ve done it straight from school, I’m only 18 now, so I know I have really far to go."