The winners of the 23rd annual Irish Travel Trade Awards will be presented with their trophies at the Irish Travel Industry Christmas Party on Friday 28th November 2014 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 your completed Voting Form must be returned directly to Grant Thornton, online at www.grantthornton.ie/irishtraveltradeawards, no later than Friday 14th November 2014.

WIN A TRIP TO MALTA: All fully completed, eligible Voting Forms received will be entered into a prize draw for two return flights ex-Dublin to Malta, plus accommodation for three or four nights (depending on flight schedules) in a 4-star hotel, in 2015 (closed out periods apply), courtesy of the Malta Tourism Authority and Irish Travel Trade News.

AWARD CATEGORY DESCRIPTIONS

You are asked to nominate your 'Best Supplier' in each of the following 23 award categories.

Please read the award category descriptions carefully and ensure that all your 23 preferences are entered below.

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?

LAND TRANSPORT

Best Car Rental Company

Whatever the destination, which rental company provides your business and leisure clients with the best cars, service and value for money?

Best Rail Company

Almost every country has its rail networks, but which company provides the best trains and ticketing service to set your clients on the right track?

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 Specialist Tour Operator

Escorted tours, sports packages, cycling/walking tours, weddings, adventure holidays, eco tours, school trips... 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, tour operator, national tourist office, or technology provider?

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, 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 14th November 2014.

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 2014.

Destinations

Best Europe Destination

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

Best Americas Destination

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 is 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 Worldwide Sun Destination

Wherever it is in the world, 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 across the great oceans and seas, which 5-star or higher cruise company is top of your 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?

TRAVEL AGENCY Services

Best National Tourist Office

Which National Tourist Office provides your agency with the best service and destination support?

Best Accommodation Provider

For a worldwide choice of quality hotels, resorts, and accommodation, with which accommodation group or bedbank do you check in your clients?

Best Travel Technology Provider

Whether it is a dynamic packaging system, a GDS, a website, social media, destination guides, or a back-office system, who provides your agency with the best technology product?

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: 14TH NOVEMBER 2014