Atas calls for entries for Agent Recognition Awards scheme

The Association of Touring and Adventure Suppliers (Atas) is calling on travel agents to enter its 2026 awards scheme.

 

The Atas Recognition Awards scheme honours those travel agents who have showcased touring and adventure holidays in the most innovative or successful ways.

 

The winners will be crowned during a ceremony on the first day of the Atas Annual Conference (September 21-22), which will take place in a new and exciting venue: Silverstone Circuit, Towcester.

 

Furthermore, the Atas Recognition Awards are being sponsored for the first time by software specialist TProfile, which provides solutions for websites, customer portals, content and documentation.

 

Claire Brighton, Atas director, said: “There was a great deal of excitement delegates at last year’s conference as we presented the awards to the winners.

 

“We’d made some changes last year so the categories better reflected the wide range of creativity, community and sustainability initiatives across the agency network.

 

“Also, the awards ceremony was brought forward last year, so the honours were presented on Day One, to give even more prominence to the winners and their successes.

 

“The agents who won the honours last year in Newport, south Wales, were thrilled to celebrate their dedication to our sector.

 

“We’re now asking agents to take part again this year, by nominating themselves or a colleague who has distinguished themselves over the past year – and we’d like to see as many agents as possible join us in Silverstone as we recognise the winners’ amazing achievements at our conference.”

 

Bhav Taylor, chief sales officer at TProfile, added: “We’re delighted to be sponsoring the Atas Recognition Awards following three successful years as a partner. 

 

“Atas plays a vital role in recognising the expertise, professionalism and achievements of touring and adventure agents, and we’re proud to deepen our support for an organisation that champions excellence across this dynamic sector of the travel industry.

 

“At TProfile, we see technology as an enabler connecting agents with the right touring and adventure products, streamlining the sales journey and supporting them in delivering exceptional customer experiences and ultimately growing touring and adventure sales.”

 

These categories can be self-nominated or nominated by someone else from the wider travel industry:

 

• Touring & Adventure One to Watch

This category is open to any individual agent or agency which has made strides to start selling the touring and adventure product in the last 12 months. Entries should highlight their route to promoting and selling touring and adventure holidays, the successes they have seen as well as plans for future growth. This award can be self-nominated or nominated by someone else from the wider travel industry.

 

• Expedition Cruise One to Watch

This category is open to any individual agent or agency which has made strides to start selling the expedition cruise product in the last 12 months. Entries should highlight their route to promoting and selling expedition cruises, the successes they have seen as well as plans for future growth. This award can be self-nominated or nominated by someone else from the wider travel industry.

 

• Creativity Counts Award

This category recognises the wide range of creative activity in this sector.

It is open to any individual agent or agency which has promoted touring and adventure holidays creatively using a variety of content shown on social media, websites and email.

Entrants should also consider any consumer events, both in-person and virtual, over the last 12 months. Entries should briefly describe your content strategy and include details on audience sizes and engagement levels as well as detailing the success seen as a result of the strategy. This award can be self-nominated or nominated by someone else from the wider travel industry.

 

• Champion of Change

This category recognises how agents are embracing all the elements of a strong ESG strategy (Environmental, Social and Governance).

It is open to any individual agent or agency who have integrated ESG factors into their company’s strategy, moving beyond short-term financial gains to prioritise the well-being of the planet and its people. Entries should highlight a passion for responsible travel, factoring in environmental elements alongside local communities and combating overtourism. Agents entering this category must be engaging with the touring and adventure sector. This award can be self-nominated or nominated by someone else from the wider travel industry.

 

• Agency of the Year. The regional categories are nominated and voted for by suppliers:

Suppliers will consider the following:

Overall growth rather than simply the largest volume-driving agency.

Commitment to promoting the sector to the agent’s/agencies’ customers.

Commitment to attending Atas and Atas tour operator events.

Completed training modules from Atas, tour operators or Online Travel Training.

 

Southeast England Agency of the Year

Southwest England Agency of the Year

Northeast England Agency of the Year

Northwest England Agency of the Year

Central England Agency of the Year

Scotland & Northern Ireland Agency of the Year

Wales Agency of the Year

High Street Agency of the Year

Homeworking Agency of the Year

Online/Call Centre Touring & Adventure Agency of the Year

 

There is also an overall Touring & Adventure Agency of the year that is selected from all the regional categories.

 

To enter or nominate, please contact Claire Brighton on claire.brighton@touringandadventure.com. The closing date is June 30.