I’m writing this from Acapulco where Tianguis Turistico, the trade
show for Mexico tourism, is in full swing. Just about every
supplier doing business in Mexico is here, and it’s certainly
interesting watching so many companies wheeling and dealing in one
place. It gives a person a new appreciation for the hard work that
goes into the business of creating the travel products agents sell.
This is one time I’m definitely grateful to be on the sidelines
reporting on the action.
Now, you have a way to acknowledge all the hard work done by
your favorite suppliers as we bring you the second annual WAVE
(Western Agents’ Vote of Excellence) Awards, designed to celebrate
the best in travel.
Like last year, the TravelAge West editorial team used a variety
of methods, including first-hand inspections, online research,
agent surveys and more, to come up with a list of over 100
companies in 48 categories that we feel are the top suppliers and
destinations in the industry. These companies received an “Editor’s
Pick” designation.
Next, we turn the voting over to our readers. The companies
chosen first in the reader’s choice voting will get the honor of
taking home a WAVE Award at our black-tie dinner, June 7, at the
Four Seasons Los Angeles in Beverly Hills, Calif. Last year’s event
kicked off this award series with a dinner at Mandalay Bay Resort
and Casino in Las Vegas, where some of the top people in the
industry were in attendance.
Three agents casting votes before April 30 will be entered to
win a trip for two to Los Angeles to attend the WAVE gala. At the
dinner, they will have the opportunity to rub elbows with top
executives from the best companies in our industry.
You will find the ballot on pages 10-11 of this issue, and the
voting runs through April 30. You can fax your ballot to us at
310-954-2520, or vote online by visiting the home page of our Web
site, TravelAgeWest.com. So please make yourself heard and vote for
your favorite suppliers. K.S.
