The Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association (SPAA) has launched its Sparkle Awards 2023, as the scheme returns for the second year after its debut in 2022.
Created to recognise the contribution of front-line travel agency staff in Scotland, the awards are judged by sponsors Edinburgh Airport, Delta Airlines, Stuba, Travelsphere, Silversea and Gold Medal.
They will look at anonymous submissions which outline how individuals have excelled in their forward-facing customer roles.
The judges will establish a shortlist of three individuals in each category, with winners announced at a ‘sparkling’ awards lunch at the Radisson Blu in Glasgow on September 8.
More: SPAA honours agents with Sparkle Awards
SPAA president Mike Tibbert said: “Sparkle Awards celebrate exceptional individual members of travel agency staff in Scotland, both business and leisure agents, who look after our customers every day.
“Our SPAA annual awards in November recognise agency principles, but the Sparkle Awards reward customer-facing staff; staff who go the extra mile for their client and their industry sector.
“The Sparkle debut awards were so well received by travel professionals in Scotland that we are delighted to expand the categories for 2023 to include a category for team player of the year and luxury consultant of the year.”
SPAA members nominate a colleague on the Sparkle Awards page in the members’ section of the SPAA website.
A nomination should include 250-300 words to outline their ‘stand out’ actions and why they deserve recognition.
The 12 categories are:
● Leisure Consultant of the Year
● Cruise Consultant of the Year
● Touring and Adventure Consultant of the Year
● Operations Manager of the Year – Leisure Travel
● Business Travel Consultant of the Year
● Operations Manager of the Year – Corporate Travel
● Team Player of the Year (Corporate or Leisure ) NEW
● Corporate Account Manager of the Year – Corporate Travel
● Agency Support Award – (non reservations)
● Newcomer of the Year
● Luxury Consultant of the Year NEW
● Rising Star of the Year
Nominations opened on June 30 and must be submitted by close of business on August 18.