THNWEST.COM AWARDS OF MERIT 2008

It’s time for the travel industry to take a look around and nominate their fellow members for recognition. The Awards of Merit 2008 from THNWest.com is now accepting nominations. The Awards of Merit highlight the constant efforts – often unnoticed – of travel professionals who have gone above and beyond their call of duty in the year 2008.

The THNWest.com Awards of Merit are open for all travel professionals in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. More than 10 winners will be honored in various categories, including the Travel Agent of the Year to Tourism Bureau of the Year.

Please note, all individuals and companies must have offices located in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba or Saskatchewan to be eligible to win in the THNWest.com Awards of Merit.

Cast your vote and get involved – these are your ‘Oscars’ and you are all invited to participate.

Who can participate?

All Western Canada travel industry professionals and travel companies (tour operators, airlines, cruise lines, etc.) are invited to nominate and cast their vote. Candidates may submit their own names or those of other individuals or companies by filling out the nomination form.

THIS CONTEST IS RESERVED TO TRAVEL PROFESSIONALS. ONLY TRAVEL PROFESSIONALS MAY BE CANDIDATES AND VOTE.

All nominees to THNWest.com Awards of Merit 2008 must be identified with actions or achievements related to the past year. All category winners will receive a trophy and articles will be published in THNWest.com to celebrate all the winners.

In order to nominate an industry candidate or company to win the Awards of Merit – Canada, go to www.TRAVELHotNews.com. A series of votes will lead to the announcements of the nation-wide winners in each category.

Here is a list of the categories:

Category-Individual

1. Travel Agent of the Year, THNWest.com
   Your professionalism has brought added value to your company and the industry at large. Along with your team, you have combined creativity and efficiency.



2. Reservation Agent of the Year, THNWest.com (Wholesaler and Consolidator)
   The quality of your services has contributed in promoting your company to travel agencies in Canada.



3. Representative of the Year, THNWest.com (Wholesaler, cruises, insurances, hotel chains, airlines, others)
   The quality of your services has highlighted the products and services of your company to travel agencies in Canada.

Category-Company

1. Travel Agency of the Year, THNWest.com
   Your sales strategy and client services have produced a major impact on your company’s results. Your methods, whether traditional or interactive, have allowed you to reach your target clientele efficiently. You have developed an original strategy, different approaches to business or you’ve helped the travel industry with your ideas and actions.



2. Wholesaler of the Year, THNWest.com
   Your sales strategy and client services have brought added value to your company. Along with your team, you have combined creativity and efficiency in answering the needs of travel agents throughout Canada in terms of product reservations and problem solving (client services).



3. Consolidator of the Year, THNWest.com
   Your sales strategy and client services have brought added value to your company. Along with your team, you have combined creativity and efficiency in answering the needs of travel agents throughout Canada in terms of product reservations and problem solving (client services)


4. Airline Company of the Year, THNWest.com (charter flights or regular flights)
   Your sales strategy and client services have brought added value to your company. Along with your team, you have combined creativity and efficiency in answering the needs of travel agents throughout Canada in terms of product reservations and problem solving (client services)



5. Cruise Ship Company of the Year, THNWest.com
   Your sales strategy and client services has brought added value to your company. Along with your team, you have combined creativity and efficiency in answering the needs of travel agents throughout Canada in terms of product reservations and problem solving (client services)



6. Tourism Bureau of the Year, THNWest.com
   You provided a highly positive view of your region through promotion and responded to the needs of your clientele, offering top-notch client services.



7. Network or Agency Chain of the Year, THNWest.com
   You looked after your members’ interests in an outstanding way all year long. You are aware of the problems and always come up with fast and efficient solutions to answer your members’ needs.



8. Specialty Services of the year, THNWest.com (Tourism schools, computer technology, travel insurance, hotel chain, etc.)

Personality of the year 2008 in the travel industry

1. Travel Industry Personality of the Year, THNWest.com
   This individual has risen above all throughout the year 2008. This first prize recognizes this exceptional person’s value in deserving the industry’s respect for his (her) competence and passion for his (her) profession.

Please note, previous winners of the Personality of the Year in Canada are not eligible to win future Personality of the Year awards.

A salute to all finalists
The Personality of the Year will receive a trophy and articles will be published in THNWest.com to celebrate all the winners.

Participate now!