The 2024 Sparkle Awards celebrated excellence in Scotland’s travel industry.
- Barrhead Travel’s Fraser Hopkins won Leisure Travel Manager of the Year.
- John Stewart Travel’s Elise Sanderson acclaimed as Leisure Consultant of the Year.
- Hays Travel Personal Travel Consultants’ Donna Payne recognised as Cruise Consultant of the Year.
- The event highlighted agents’ exceptional commitment to customer service and industry excellence.
The prestigious 2024 Sparkle Awards, hosted by the Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association (SPAA), acknowledged the exemplary services of frontline travel agents across Scotland. This annual ceremony, held at The Caledonian in Edinburgh, serves as a platform to commend the remarkable achievements of professionals dedicated to enhancing the travel industry.
Amongst the notable winners, Fraser Hopkins from Barrhead Travel was honoured with the Leisure Travel Manager of the Year award. His achievements in managing complex travel portfolios with efficiency and dedication have set an industry standard.
Elise Sanderson from John Stewart Travel earned the title of Leisure Consultant of the Year, recognised for her outstanding ability to curate personalised and innovative travel experiences for her clients, ensuring high satisfaction and repeat business.
Donna Payne, representing Hays Travel Personal Travel Consultants, received the award for Cruise Consultant of the Year. Her expertise in the cruise sector and her unwavering commitment to client satisfaction have been lauded by both peers and clients alike.
The selection process for these accolades was thorough, with judges evaluating anonymous submissions from various applicants. This year’s panel comprised representatives from prominent sponsors including Royal Caribbean, Edinburgh Airport, Delta Airlines, Stuba, Travelsphere, Travel Matters, and Gold Medal.
SPAA President Jacqueline Dobson commended the winners by stating that they have set a benchmark for excellence within the industry. Dobson highlighted their professionalism and commitment to delivering exceptional service in a challenging environment.
Jennifer Doak of Clyde Travel Management was named Corporate Travel Manager of the Year, while Leanne Weir from Barrhead Travel received the Agency Support Award. These accolades underline their respective roles in significantly aiding corporate travel functions and providing unparalleled agency support.
The Newcomer of the Year award went to Kacie Dick of Murray Travel, who has shown remarkable potential and ingenuity in her new role. Heather Currie of Hays Travel Personal Travel Consultants was named Luxury Consultant of the Year, demonstrating exceptional skills in managing luxury travel itineraries.
Awards like Business Travel Consultant of the Year and Corporate Account Manager of the Year were awarded to Charlie Downer of ATPI and Amy Anderson from Clyde Travel Management, respectively. Their work has greatly advanced business travel operations and account management, offering custom solutions to complex travel needs.
The event further recognised Audrey Quinn of Thorne Travel as the Touring and Adventure Consultant of the Year, and Stuart Clark of ATPI as the Rising Star of the Year, signifying their innovation and potential in the travel sector.
The 2024 Sparkle Awards reaffirmed the dedication and excellence of travel professionals in Scotland.
