More: 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.
Young Leisure Agent of the Year: Sunlounger Travel’s Sian Freestone
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).
Outstanding Contribution Award winners are truly deserving! Amanda Matthews and Karen Pocock
More: 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.
Agent Achievement Awards 2024: Full list of winners
Special Awards
Outstanding Contribution to the Industry Award: Amanda Matthews and Karen Pocock, Designer Travel
Mental Health Matters Award: Hayley Gadd, Hays Travel and Lisa Martindale, The Travel Freaks
Clia Cruise Master Award: Gareth Harding, Travelosophers
ATAS Ambassador Award: Darryl Gardner, Cartwright Travel
Tipto Independent Agency of the Year Award: Fred Olsen Travel
Individual Agent of the Year Awards
Young Leisure Agent of the Year: Sian Freestone, Sunlounger Travel
Leisure Agent of the Year: Laura Bennett, The Personal Travel Agents
Leisure Manager of the Year: Angela Taylor, Oasis Travel
Agency Support Team Member of the Year: Caitlyn Cope, Blue Bay Travel
Sector and Special Awards
Cruise Agency of the Year – Small: Loveitbookit
Cruise Agency of the Year – Large: Iglu.com
Touring and Adventure Agency of the Year: Miles Morgan Travel
One to Watch Award: The Good Travel Agent
Business Excellence and People Awards
Sustainability Champion of the Year – Small: Earthwise Travel
Sustainability Champion of the Year – Large: Barrhead Travel
Best Agency to Work For – Small: Perfect Getaways
Best Agency to Work For – Large: Hays Travel
National Agency of the Year Awards
Online/Call Centre Agency of the Year: Blue Bay Travel
Homeworking Agency of the Year – Small: Travelosophers
Homeworking Agency of the Year – Large: Travel Counsellors
High Street Agency of the Year Small: Baldwins Travel
High Street Agency of the Year Large: Hays Travel
Regional Agency of the Year Awards
Northern Ireland: Oasis Travel
Republic of Ireland: Cassidy Travel
Scotland – Small: Stewart Travel
Scotland – Large: Barrhead Travel: Barrhead Travel
North West England & North Wales – Small: Garstang Travel
North West England & North Wales – Large: Althams Travel
Yorkshire, North Midlands & North East England – Small: Seaside Travel
Yorkshire, North Midlands & North East England – Large: Hays Travel
Central England – Small: Holiday Lounge
Central England – Large: Midcounties Co-Operative Travel
East of England – Small: Oyster Travel
East of England – Large: Premier Travel
South West England & South Wales – Small: La Vida Travel
South West England & South Wales – Large: Miles Morgan Travel
London & South East England – Small: Baldwins Travel
London & South East England – Large: Hays Travel
More: Designer Travel co-founders honoured for outstanding contribution