More than 6,000 votes from travel agents were cast this year.
LOS ANGELES – More than 170 companies, individuals and destinations were celebrated by the readers of TravelAge West as part of the TravelAge West WAVE (Western Agents’ Votes of Excellence) Awards held June 11 in Marina del Rey, Calif., at The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey. Honorees were recognized in 68 categories that spanned the cruise, tour operator, airline, hotel and resort, rail vacation, travel insurance, GDS, Consortia and destination travel fields. The annual awards gave travel agents in the Western U.S. the opportunity to recognize the outstanding qualities and services of their travel supplier partners.
In addition, top travel agents were honored in four categories as part of the 2015 Trendsetters Awards, also presented at the gala. Categories included: Best Use of Social Media, Upward Bound Rock Star Agent Under 40, Best Group Booking Sales Effort, and Industry Activist – Notable Achievements in Support of Travel Agents.
More than 6,000 travel agent professionals throughout the 14 Western states and readers of TravelAge West voted on the best-of-the-best from a list of Editor’s Pick award recipients that were chosen after careful review by TravelAge West Editor-in-Chief Kenneth Shapiro and the editorial team of TravelAge West. Review methods included product analysis, on-site visits, a survey of a select group of travel agents and online research.
“This is the 10th annual WAVE awards, and it’s our biggest yet,” said Shapiro. “Our editors worked hard to include the top travel companies in our Editor’s Picks, and travel agents in the West made sure to acknowledge their favorite suppliers out of that list. These companies truly are the best of the best.”
And, again this year, TravelAge West awarded their ‘Excellence in Leadership’ Award honoring an individual who, in the course of their careers in travel and tourism, consistently have demonstrated leadership and insight, effected change or innovation and made extraordinary contributions to both organizations and the industry at large. The 2015 TravelAge West Excellence in Leadership Award honoree is Jack Richards, President & CEO of Pleasant Holidays.
At the black-tie event, guests dined on a four-course meal while being treated to a multimedia presentation of the award recipients.
“These awards are a vital part of the travel industry and recognize the ‘best of the best,'” said Bruce Shulman, Publisher of TravelAge West. “Travel professionals who read and rely on TravelAge West can be confident that the winners of a WAVE Award represent those suppliers and destinations committed to bringing the best products and services to their clients.”
TravelAge West will feature WAVE Awards coverage in the July 6, 2015 issue.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
