Eamonn Wilkinson of Stewart Travel was presented with the award for Travel Consultant of the Year in a glittering ceremony at the newly refurbished Slieve Donard Hotel.
The most important person in any travel agency is the consultant dealing directly with the customer.
Their wealth of experience, product knowledge, customer service and sound advice will determine the correct fit for their customer and the success of the holiday.
The standard of competition for this year’s award was exceptionally high.
Nominees for this year’s award were: Eamonn Wilkinson, Stewart Travel Belfast; Lynsay Hegarty, Hays Travel Omagh; Kerry Morrow, Hays Travel Lisburn; Rachael Halpenny, Clubworld Travel Banbridge and Gillian McVeigh, Limavady Travel.
The award is open to Travel Consultants up to the level of Assistant Manager, Independent Agents, Multiple Agencies and Home Workers and is voted for by the public through awards organisers NI Travel News.
The five finalists were assessed by a panel of industry judges with Eamonn coming out on top.
Speaking after the awards ceremony, Eamonn said: “So very humbled to be initially shortlisted within The Top Five Travel Consultants in NI, in the year 2023, but to win this prestigious award, is one amazing accolade for me personally and I’d love to extend my sincere thanks to all those lovely people/customer/friends, who put me on this exciting journey, it’s really has been so astonishing, heartwarming and I am ever so grateful indeed, feel very proud to have lifted it.”
Linda Boyd, Director of Retail at Stewart Travel said: “This recognition is a testament to Eamonn’s dedication and expertise in the travel industry, and we are immensely proud to have him as a part of our team.”
Jonathan Adair, NI Travel News said: “The Travel Consultant of the year Award is the highest individual Award for the local Northern Ireland travel agents, and this year we had the highest quality of finalists. It is a fantastic achievement to reach the final five, as this Award is voted by the most important people; the customers. Congratulations to Eamonn for winning this year’s award. It was much deserved.”
