Amadeus won two of the 22 Irish Travel Trade Awards 2011 presented at the inaugural Irish Travel Industry Christmas Party at the Burlington Hotel, Dublin, last Friday night – including the new award category of ‘Best Agent Friendly Supplier’ as well as ‘Best Travel Technology Provider’. Etihad Airways also won two awards – ‘Best Long Haul Airline’ and ‘Best Business Class Airline’, while Spain won ‘Best Europe Destination’ and ‘Best National Tourist Office’.
Another new award category, ‘Best Resort Transfer Company’, was won by Holiday Taxis.
Announcing the Awards, Ronan Flood, Managing Editor of Irish Travel Trade News, said: “2011 has been an exceptionally difficult year for all involved in the travel industry. In hard times like these it is especially important to recognise and reward companies that continued to provide outstanding products and services in 2011 – as judged by Ireland’s travel agents.”
The ‘Best Airline to Europe’ Award was won by Aer Lingus and United was voted ‘Best Airline to North America’. Spain was declared the ‘Best Sun Destination’, Australia won the Award for ‘Best Asia / Pacific Destination’, and Thomas Cook Holidays was voted ‘Best Sun Holiday Tour Operator’.
2011 Irish Travel Trade Awards – All the Winners
Best Europe Destination: Spain
Best North America Destination: New York
Best Middle East / Africa Destination: Dubai
Best Asia / Pacific Destination: Australia
Best Sun Holiday Tour Operator: Thomas Cook Holidays
Best Ski Tour Operator: Topflight
Best Niche Tour Operator: One Stop Touring Shop
Best Long Haul Tour Operator: Sunway
Best Airline to Europe: Aer Lingus
Best Airline to North America: United
Best Long Haul Airline: Etihad Airways
Best Business Class Airline: Etihad Airways
Best Ferry Company: Irish Ferries
Best Cruise Company (3/4 Star): Thomson Cruises
Best Cruise Company (5/6 Star): Celebrity Cruises
Best Leisure Car Rental Company: Holiday Autos
Best Business Car Rental Company: Hertz
Best Resort Transfer Company: Holiday Taxis
Best Accommodation Provider: Bookabed.ie
Best National Tourist Office: Spanish Tourism Office
Best Travel Technology Provider: Amadeus
Best Agent Friendly Supplier: Amadeus
