Carrier hails trade sales at awards ceremony after record year

Carrier has recognised its top performing agents at its annual awards ceremony, following a ‘record-breaking’ 2023.

It said last year was also the best ever for trade sales as a result of “growing and strengthening” agent partnerships.

The agents were honoured at Carrier’s ‘A List’ ceremony on Thursday (March 7) in the Princess Anne Theatre at Bafta Piccadilly, London.

Among the winners were Jen Lonergan, founder of The Luxury Traveller, named Luxury Travel Designer of the Year; Retail Agent of the Year was awarded to Travelwise; and High Street Agent of the Year was presented to More Travel.

Natasha Towey, Carrier managing director, said: “The theme of this year’s awards was ‘family’, which felt very appropriate as our agent relationships are so very important to us.

“These relationships and connections are at the heart of everything we do, and many of them go beyond just agent and operator interactions.

“We’re always delighted to get together and shine a light on these incredible companies and individuals who we believe are leading the way in luxury travel and should be honoured for their achievements.”

More: Carrier creates overseas ‘retreat’ for key agent partners

Carrier also recognised two employees with awards for Outstanding Agent Support: luxury travel designer Lucy Boardman, from the Beach team, and Lorraine Norcross in Concierge, who was hailed as an ‘unsung hero’.

In addition to a supplier showcase, awards ceremony and dinner, Carrier also unveiled its latest partnership with non-profit organisation, Shinta Mani Foundation, Cambodia.

Carrier’s agent partners at the event were given the opportunity to win a six-night twin-centre stay in Cambodia worth more than $12,000. In order to win, agents were invited to make a donation to the foundation ahead of the ceremony.

Rick Milne, Carrier head of sales, said: “We’re extremely aligned with the ethos of the Shinta Mani Foundation who are a driving force for change within the Cambodian community, uplifting individuals and families living below the poverty line.

“Within the first hour of us sending round our email communication to announce this partnership, we had already raised £600 which was a phenomenal start.”

The total raised was £1,430 which the tour operator will match.