TD Awards industry support
THE inaugural Travel Daily Awards yesterday saw the industry take the opportunity to brighten the COVID-19 darkness, with agents and suppliers from across the country putting on their glad rags for a rare moment of 2020 celebration.
A series of COVID-safe Zoom presentations took place across the day, with TD’s Jenny and Bruce Piper meeting virtually with finalists in 19 categories to announce the winners.
The judged categories had been decided by an eminent group, including former AFTA Chairman Mike Thompson, the esteemed Anne Rogers of Wingsaway Travel and the Travel Daily team.
Thousands of votes were received in the voted categories to help select supplier winners.
“While there is only one trophy for each category, the hundreds of nominations for the awards show just how hard everyone in the industry has worked this year to support one another,” said Travel Daily’s Jenny Piper.
“Thank you to everyone who has helped us provide a little bit of brightness for the industry in this very dark time.”
The awards also provided the opportunity to recognise the extraordinary efforts of individual travel agents - particularly a trio of Western Australian winners who have been relentless in their efforts to support the industry.
The judges’ deliberations led to the three-way dead heat for the Most Supportive WA Consultant category, which was jointly taken out by Barry Downs of Bicton Travel, Christine Ross-Davies of Attadale Travel and Jo Francis from Global Travel Solutions.
Downs has made multiple media appearances and also launched The Big Cruise podcast, now up to its 26th weekly episode, in an effort to have some positive cruise news countering mainstream media sentiment.
Ross-Davies and Francis have led much of the national travel sector charge with political lobbying, initiating petitions and scores of meetings with leaders to highlight the industry’s plight.
Qatar Airways’ duty to the local market was recognised by agents who voted it Most Supportive Airline, while Expedia TAAP took out the Most Supportive Hotel Group/Accommodation Supplier category.
Other winners included Linda Costantini from Emirates in the Industry Sales Executive category, and Globus as Most Supportive Tour Operator/Wholesaler - full results on the front page and a range of pics on page five.