In this issue, we share the results of our annual WAVE (Western Agents Votes of Excellence) Awards and our Trendsetter Awards for travel advisors (page 12). It’s always inspiring to acknowledge suppliers and advisors who are dedicated to elevating the travel experience for clients. One common characteristic is that they truly love what they do.
“My absolute favorite part of my job is the relationships that I get to foster with my clients,” said Trendsetter winner Suzy Schreiner of Azure Blue Vacations in Bothell, Wash. “My business is primarily built on repeat clients and their referrals. I love that I can work with clients from their child’s first Disneyland trip to a graduation celebration in Paris.”
It’s an honor for us to celebrate advisors’ achievements at our black-tie awards gala each year. And we’re happy to see that suppliers — led by Trendsetter Award sponsors AMResorts, Celebrity Cruises, the Globus Family of Brands and Royal Caribbean International — show their appreciation for agents, as well.
“To have the Trendsetter Awards included within the WAVE Awards shows the respect TravelAge West has for agents,” said Matt Welch, a Trendsetter winner from PSI Travel and Cruises in Tucson, Ariz. “Even the suppliers at the awards dinner constantly approach us and thank us for being in business. It’s a far cry from a few years ago, when many suppliers seemed to have no use for agents.”
One of the Trendsetter categories is Upward Bound, Rockstar Agent Under 40. While this award is only given once per year, we have another way to acknowledge up-and-coming advisors. We are now accepting applications for our second annual Future Leaders in Travel Retreat. Held in Aspen, Colo., from Sept. 3-5, the event brings together top young advisors and suppliers for three days of education, activities and relationship building. To apply, visit www.futureleadersintravel.com.
And if you’re interested in next year’s Trendsetter Awards, send an email to [email protected], and we’ll provide more information.
