More than 230 companies, individuals and destinations were celebrated by the readers of TravelAge West as part of the WAVE Awards held June 5 in Marina del Rey, California, at The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey.
Honorees were recognized across 77 categories, including cruise lines, river cruise lines, tour operators, airlines, hotels and resorts, destinations, rail vacation providers, theme parks, tourism boards, technology companies and travel insurance companies. The annual awards give travel advisors the opportunity to recognize the outstanding qualities and services of their travel supplier partners.
In addition, top travel advisors were honored in five categories as part of the 2025 Trendsetters Awards, also presented at the gala. Categories included: Best Use of Social Media, Upward Bound Rock Star Advisor Under 40, Best Group Booking Effort, Best Targeted Marketing Idea and Saving the Day.
More than 7,200 travel advisor professionals throughout the U.S. 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 Ken Shapiro, Group Vice President and Editorial Director, Mindy Poder, Editor-in-Chief of TravelAge West, and additional members of the TravelAge West editorial team. Review methods included product analysis, on-site visits, a survey of a select group of industry advisors and online research.
“This is the 20th anniversary of the WAVE Awards,” Shapiro said. “So, we are extra proud to be able to give travel advisors an opportunity to acknowledge the great supplier partners that help them make travel dream trips a reality.”
This year, TravelAge West once again awarded its Excellence in Leadership Award, which honors individuals who, in the course of their careers in travel and tourism, have consistently demonstrated leadership and insight, effected change or innovation and made extraordinary contributions to both organizations and the industry at large. The 2025 TravelAge West Excellence in Leadership Awards were given to Ray Snisky, ALG Vacations, and Mike Julius, Carnival Cruise Line.
“All of our Leadership Award winners show true dedication to the travel industry, helping to make their brands and organizations models for others to follow,” Shapiro said.
In addition, the second annual Legend of the West Award, sponsored by Azamara, was awarded to an individual who has made a significant impact on travel and tourism in the Western United States and beyond. This year’s recipient was Matthew Eichhorst, Expedia Cruises.
TravelAge West will feature WAVE Awards coverage in the July 14, 2025, issue.
A list of this year’s WAVE Award winners is online, as is a list of Trendsetter Award recipients.
