Midcounties Co-operative scoops top travel award

THE Midcounties Co-operative Travel has been named the best large travel agency in Central England at a top travel industry awards ceremony.

It received the accolade at the annual Agent Achievement Awards, run by trade publication Travel Weekly.

Julie Gibson, Head of Commercial and Marketing, also accepted an award for the business for the ‘I did something different’ award for raising more than £20,000 for charity.

Midcounties scooped the Central England honour after receiving the most votes from travel suppliers including tour operators, airlines, cruise companies and tourist boards. The award highlights the agency’s leading position as a supplier of quality holidays through its network of shops, call centre, homeworkers and its website cooptravel.co.uk.

Sue Reid, General Manager Travel Distribution, said: “We are pleased and proud of the award as it recognises the growth and success of our business over the last 12 months. It also celebrates our commitment to opening branches in the high street at a time when some retailers are reducing their presence.

“We aim to become the leading independent travel retailer in the UK with co-operative values at its core. Through our branches, online travel business and personal travel agents, we focus on delivering great service and value, providing the right holidays for our customers and independent and expert travel advice.”

Midcounties’ fundraising for Reuben’s Retreat won the ‘I did something different’ award. Staff raised the money over a year with a variety of activities from a sponsored slim by personal travel agents to a Victorian fayre and a charity auction. At its internal awards and Christmas party it invited sponsors to buy tables with donations going to the charity.

Around 600 guests attended the awards ceremony, which was held at the Lancaster London hotel.