Last month, Apple Vacations held its annual Golden Apple Awards and Trade Show, in Oakbrook Terrace, Ill. The Golden Apple Awards are given to the top hotels in Mexico, the Caribbean and Hawaii, based on customer surveys.
More than 1,000 travel agents attended the trade show, which featured Apple Vacation’s suppliers and destinations in Hawaii, Mexico, the Caribbean and more. This year’s theme was “Let’s Get Personal,” and agents were encouraged to develop or deepen relationships with suppliers as well as with Apple Vacations’ staff.
After the trade show, the Crystal Apple Awards were announced by Tim Mullen, president of Apple Vacations. The Crystal Apple Awards are given to the best of the best of Apple’s partners as chosen by guest questionnaires. This year, seven Crystal Apple Awards were given out, including the Iberostar Grand Hotel Bavaro (Best Staff and Service, Caribbean), The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort (Best Staff and Service, Hawaii), Riu Guanacaste (Best Staff and Service, Central America), Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun (Best Staff and Service, Mexico), Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso (Best All-Inclusive), Secrets Resorts & Spas (Best Hotel Chain) and Riviera Nayarit (Best Destination).
