It’s voting time in the 2013 Irish Travel Trade Awards – and you could win a trip for two to Malaysia with seven nights 5-star accommodation in Langkawi! See www.grantthornton.ie/irishtraveltradeawards . 
The Irish Travel Trade Awards celebrate their 22nd anniversary this year and the presentations to the winners will be made at the Irish Travel Industry Christmas Party on Wednesday 11th December 2013 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Dublin (formerly the Burlington Hotel), Dublin 4.
All staff working for a licensed and bonded travel agency anywhere on the island of Ireland are eligible to vote (see Regulations below) and you can vote online at www.grantthornton.ie/irishtraveltradeawards no later than Friday 29th November 2013.
WIN A TRIP TO MALAYSIA
All fully completed, eligible Voting Forms received will be entered into a prize draw for two Economy Class return tickets ex-Dublin to Kuala Lumpur and seven nights 5-star accommodation in Langkawi, courtesy of Tourism Malaysia, Malaysia Airlines and Irish Travel Trade News.
AWARD CATEGORY DESCRIPTIONS
You are asked to nominate your ‘Best Supplier’ in each of the following 25 award categories. Please read the award category descriptions carefully and ensure that you vote in all 25 categories – so that you are eligible to win that trip to Malaysia!
AIRLINES
Best Airline to Europe
For Britain and/or Continental Europe, which airline provides your ex-Ireland clients with the best service?
Best Airline to North America
Which airline flying across the Atlantic to North America leads the way from Ireland, either direct or indirect?
Best Long Haul Airline
When the destination is the Middle East, Africa, Asia / Pacific, Central or South America, which airline is top of your class for quality of performance?
Best Business Class Airline
For Business Class, which airline provides your clients with the best airport transfers, lounges, seat/bed, inflight services, cuisine and entertainment?
DESTINATIONS
Best Europe Destination
Which country in Europe offers the best holiday destinations, visitor attractions, culture, relaxation, sports, entertainment, and shopping?
Best Americas Destination (North, Central and South)
Which country in North, Central or South America – or which State in the USA – provides your clients with the top holiday experience and value for money?
Best Middle East / Africa Destination
Which country in this vast continent of adventure, landscapes, cultures and wildlife do you most recommend to your clients?
Best Asia / Pacific Destination
Whether it’s in Asia, near or far, or down under in Australia, New Zealand or the Pacific islands, which country is most worth the long haul?
Best Sun Destination
Whether it be in Europe or further afield, which destination tops your list of recommendations for sun, sea, sand and… sensational value?
SEA TRANSPORT
Best Ferry Company
Between Ireland and Britain or Continental Europe, which ferry company’s ships and service ride the crest of your wave?
Best Cruise Company (3/4 Star)
When a holiday cruise package up to and including 4-star is your client’s request, which cruise company sails away with the booking?
Best Cruise Company (5/6 Star)
Whether they sail Round the World, or one of the great oceans or seas, which 5- star or higher cruise company is top of the deck?
Best River Cruise Company
When an inland cruise is the clients’ wish, which river cruise company provides them with the destinations, luxury and value to make their dream come true?
LAND TRANSPORT
Best Car Rental Company (Business and Leisure)
Whatever the destination, which rental company provides your business and leisure clients with the best cars, service and value for money?
Best Luxury Rail Journey
Every continent has its selection of luxury rail journeys. Which do you recommend to set your clients on the right track?
TRAVEL AGENCY SERVICES
Best Accommodation Provider
For a worldwide choice of quality hotels, resorts, and accommodation, with which accommodation group or agency do you check in your clients?
Best National Tourist Office
Which National Tourist Office provides your agency with the best service and destination support?
Best Travel Technology Provider
Whether it’s a GDS, a website, social media, or a back-office system, who provides your agency with the best technology product?
Best Dynamic Packaging System
When your client asks you to package flights, transfers, accommodation, car rental and other elements of travel, which system do you turn to first?
Best Travel Insurance Company
Whether a single, one-trip policy is required, or an annual multi-trip family policy, which company gives you and your clients the best travel insurance?
TOUR OPERATORS
Best Sun Holiday Tour Operator
For summer or winter sun, which tour operator is the best for resorts, flights, accommodation, representation, value for money, and service?
Best Ski Tour Operator
For choice of ski resorts and accommodation, convenient flights and transfers, and excellent packages and après ski, who is at the very peak?
Best Niche Tour Operator
Tours, weddings, adventure holidays, river cruises, eco tours … there are so many possibilities – but which company most attracts your clients?
Best Long Haul Tour Operator
When your clients plan to travel beyond Europe, whether for a short stay, long stay, multi-centre or touring holiday, whom do you call?
ALL COMPANIES
Best Agent Friendly Supplier
Who is the most agent friendly company, be it an airline or consolidator, cruise or ferry company, rail or coach company, accommodation provider, car rental company, insurance provider, tour operator, national tourist office, or technology provider?
PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL VOTES ARE RETURNED TO GRANT THORNTON AND NOT TO ITTN.
REGULATIONS
1. Voting is confined to owners, management, staff and home workers of licensed and bonded travel agencies in Ireland (North and South).
2. You may vote online or by email, fax or post.
3. Voting Forms must be validated with your travel agency licence number.
4. Only one Voting Form per person and a maximum of 10 Voting Forms per licence number are permitted. If more Voting Forms than permitted are received, the first 10 eligible Voting Forms received per licence number will be accepted.
5. No agency can vote for any company or organisation by which it is owned in whole or in part, or for which it is a dedicated franchise outlet.
6. No agency can vote for any destination, company, product or service for which the agency is an officially appointed representative on a wholesale / GSA basis in Ireland, North or South.
7. The closing date for receipt of Voting Forms is 29th November 2013.
8. Voting Forms and nominations must be sent directly to, and will be independently administered and audited by, Grant Thornton. Decisions of the auditor are final and no correspondence will be entered into regarding any aspect of the Irish Travel Trade Awards 2013.
