Irish Travel Trade News is pleased to present the 20th annual Irish Travel Trade Awards for the 'Best Supplier' in each of 22 categories for the year 2011.

Only owners, management, staff and home workers of licensed and bonded travel agencies in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are entitled to vote – thus making the Irish Travel Trade Awards uniquely "by all-Ireland professionals to professionals" and hence highly prized by the winning suppliers.

Your nominations will reward overall excellence of product and/or service provided by the supplier to you, your agency and your clients during 2011.

Please read the Regulations carefully before you vote.

All Voting Forms must be sent directly to, and will be independently audited by, Grant Thornton.

The Irish Travel Trade Award 2011 winners will be announced, and the trophies presented, at an Awards Dinner and Industry Christmas Party to be held at the Burlington Hotel, Dublin, on Friday 25th November 2011.

AWARD CATEGORY DESCRIPTIONS

You are asked to nominate your 'Best Supplier' in each of the following 22 award categories.

Please read the award category descriptions carefully and ensure that all your 22 preferences are entered on the Voting Form. All fully completed Voting Forms will be entered for a prize draw for a luxury trip for two to Malta.

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

Which airline 'does the business' for you and your clients in its seat/bed, inflight service, cuisine and entertainment?

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?

Industry 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 dynamic packaging solution, a website, social media, or a back-office system, who provides your agency with the best technology product?

All Companies

Best Agent Friendly Supplier

It may be 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 – but who is the most agent friendly?

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 15 Voting Forms per licence number are permitted. If more Voting Forms than permitted are received, the first 15 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 11th November 2011.

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 2011.

Destinations

Best European Destination

Which country in Europe offers the best holiday destinations, visitor attractions, culture, relaxation, sports, entertainment, and shopping?

Best North America Destination

Which destination provides your clients with the top holiday experience and value for money in North America – Canada, Mexico or which State in the USA?

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?

Car Hire

Best Leisure Car Rental Company

Whether in Ireland or overseas, which rental company provides your holiday clients with the best cars, service and value for money?

Best Business Car Rental Company

For your business clients, who provides the best and most flexible car hire services in multiple locations?

Best Resort Transfer Company

The aircraft has landed – but your clients have still to reach their final destination. Which company provides you with the best transfer service?

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, sports, weddings, adventure holidays, 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?

PLEASE COMPLETE IN BLOCK CAPITALS:

Agency:

Address:

TA Licence / ABTA No:

Your Name:

Your Email Address:

Date:

VOTE NOW! CLOSING DATE FOR RECEIPT OF NOMINATIONS: 11TH NOVEMBER 2011