News
Travel Agent Star Awards- Press Release 2016
Beaches and Sandals Resorts celebrated The 15th Annual Sandals Travel Agency Recognition (S.T.A.R.) Awards December 1-4, 2016 at Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa. Over 500 travel agents, guests, VIPs and media from North America, UK, Canada and Latin America was in on island last to be recognized for their diligence and fortitude in selling destination Turk & Caicos as well as the Caribbean .
Spear headed by Resort Sales Manager Tanya Swann, the weekend’s activities celebrated and honored the hard work of agents with a number of special events including a “Wete Fete” water party, a foam party at the resort’s waterpark, and a Gala followed by a performance from Grammy nominated singer Taylor Dayne.
“It’s always a pleasure for us here at Beaches Turks & Caicos to Host the Sandals Resorts International Star Awards.” Said Tanya Swann, “ This year it was the 15th Annual Star Awards and it was for over three hundred Travel Agents & their Spouses. The hype and the enthusiasm of the Agents for been chosen as the top sellers was just magnificent as well as they were all glad that it was at Beaches Turks, the Resort that they all love to come to.”
“Making preparations for this event is such a wonderful experience for us all, has it’s up to us to show them exactly what we at Beaches Turks have to offer, from the Arrivals to the settings of each function to just going out on the boat and relaxing while basking in the beauty of our “Beautiful by Nature” Islands.” She continued, “Our aim each time we host one of these Star Awards we present something to the Agents that is breath taking and not only for them but also something that they can sell to their Guests.”
Winners includes:
Worldwide Contribution to the Sandals Foundation
- Maria Snyzik, The Vacation Van, Beavercreek, Ohio
Outstanding Sales Achievement – Weddings
- VIP Vacations Inc.
- Royal Travel
- Discerning Journeys
- Wedding Vibe
- Island Getaways
CEO Award – Social Media
- Maria Snyzik, The Vacation Van, Beavercreek, Ohio
- Mary Fowler, Riverside Tours And Travel
CEO Award of Excellence
- Wanda Keefer, All Seasons Vacations LLC.
- Renee Cannon, Marlin Travel
- Karen Lippett, Lattitudes Plus Smart Travel
Chairman’s Royal Club Elite 2017
- Jennifer Doncsecz, VIP Vacations, Inc.
- Terri Flood, Escapes Unlimited
- Nancy Finn, Island GetawaysEileen Nason, Discerning Journeys
- Elizabeth Jones, Vacations To Go
- Ryan Speakman, Got 2 Go Travel, Wigan
Chairman’s Award
- Cindy McCabe, Bethany Travel, USA
- Lois Barbour, Travel Time, TPI, Canada
Lifetime Achievement Award
- Jackie Friedman, Nexion Inc.
- Julie Lanham, Vacations To Remember
- Naomi Kalata, Everafter Travel
- Jim Ehehalt, Brookside Travel
- Veronica Kastukevich, Custom Travel
- Sally Jane Smith, Travelsmiths
- Kim Hartlen, Tripcentral.Ca, Bedford
- Danielle Sotera, Travel3000
- Tony Sotera, Travel3000
- Monica Mckay, 510 Travel
Sandals Hall of Fame Induction
- Dean Smith. – Flight Centre Travel Group
Top Beaches Travel Agency Chain
- Liberty Travel
Top Sandals Travel Agency Chain
- Liberty Travel
Top Host and Home Based Travel Agencies
- Nexion Inc.
- Cruise Planners/American Express
- Travel Professionals International
Top Ten Travel Agencies
- VIP Vacations Inc.
- Royal Travel
- Twinsburg Travel & Cruise, Inc.
- Travel Quest
- Enchanted Honeymoons
- Island Getaways
- Dream Makers Vacation Services
- Escapes Unlimited Az, LLC.
- Avoya Travel/ American Express
- Loyaltyone Travel Services
The event was also made possible by its sponsors, American Airlines, Air Canada Vacations, TravelWeek Canada, Island Routes Caribbean Adventures, Sandals Foundation, Logistical Outsourcing Inc. and Travel Agent Magazine. To learn more about how to become a STAR agent of Sandals Resorts through the exclusive CSS (Certified Sandals Specialist) program, contact your local Sandals Business Development Manager or visit https://taportal.sandals.com for additional details.
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