Travel Agents Select Favorite Sales Representatives at 2015 WAVE Awards

Jul 05, 2015

As part of the voting for the 2015 WAVE Awards, travel agents write in their favorite sales representatives. Following are the winners for hotel, tour operator, river cruise and cruise line sales representatives.

Diane Fraser, Aqua Hospitality and Aston Hotels & Resorts, Favorite Hotel Sales Representative
For the seventh consecutive year, Diane Fraser took home the WAVE Award for Favorite Hotel Sales Representative. She oversees California and the Southwestern U.S. for Aqua Hospitality and Aston Hotels & Resorts. Fraser has a large territory but makes sure she keeps in close contact with her travel agents and continuously updates them on products, programs and promotions.

“In her more than 25 years with the company, Diane has become well-known for her tenacious commitment to delivering superior support for our travel agent partners,” said Robin Harlow, senior director of sales for Aqua Hospitality and Aston Hotels & Resorts. “We can’t think of a higher honor than to see her recognized by the travel industry for the seventh year in a row.”

Edyta Teper, Travel2 and Islands in the Sun, Favorite Individual Tour Operator Sales Representative
Edyta Teper moved to Los Angeles from Australia in 1995. She worked in sales management positions with Brendan Tours, as well as with both Carnival Cruise Lines and Crystal Cruises, before taking the role of director of sales at Travel2 and Islands in the Sun.

“We’re very proud of all the hard work Edyta has accomplished since she came home to our company,” said Mark Punshon, vice president of sales for Travel2 and Islands in the Sun. “She is an invaluable asset to our team and clearly is very well-liked amongst her peers. It’s a pleasure to work with her, and we can’t wait to see what future doors she opens up for us."

Michael Weldon, Viking River Cruises, Favorite River Cruise Sales Representative
For the fourth year in a row, Michael Weldon, director of business development for Viking River Cruises, took home the WAVE Award for Favorite River Cruise Sales Representative.

“Viking believes in being the best and hiring only the very top of the industry,” said Michele Saegesser, vice president of sales for Viking River Cruises. “It is with immense pride and pleasure to hear that Michael has won his fourth straight WAVE Award for being the best of the best.”

Gladys Lyons, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Favorite Cruise Line Sales Representative
Gladys Lyons, director of sales for Regent Seven Seas Cruises, is a 20-year-plus veteran of the cruise industry. She has nearly 40 years of total experience in management, including owning and operating a successful service-oriented business.

“Gladys is a consummate professional and phenomenal friend,” said Carlos Garzon, vice president of sales for Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “I’m lucky to work with her and enriched for knowing her.”