Kuoni Wins 'Best Travel Team of the Year' and 'Best Tour Operator of the Year'

SURREY, ENGLAND, October 17, 2012 (Press-News.org) Leading travel specialist Kuoni won 'Best Tour Operator of the Year' and 'Best Travel Team of the Year' (a new award for 2012) at the TTG Travel Awards 2012, as voted for and shortlisted by 30,000 travel agents and a judging panel of industry experts.

With stiff competition in the form of other shortlisted companies, Kuoni stepped up to the stage to be congratulated by celebrity guest host, actor and comedian, David Walliams and TTG Brand Director, Daniel Pearce.

The red-carpet event was held at London's prestigious Odeon West End theatre on Leicester Square. Celebrations continued at the exclusive after-show party in the Penthouse night club, Leicester Square with live music and stunning views of London's skyline.

Over 700 movers and shakers of the travel industry flooded Leicester Square, setting it alight with true Hollywood glitz and glamour for a show-stopping ceremony, including Kuoni UK Managing Director Derek Jones, National Sales Manager for Trade Amanda Darrington and National Sales Manager for Retail Helen Roberts.

Commenting on Kuoni's win, Derek Jones, Kuoni UK MD, said: "The TTG Awards ceremony was a spectacular evening of entertainment showcasing the best of the best in our industry.

"We are delighted to have been voted best 'Tour Operator of the Year' and we are thrilled to have won their new award for best 'Travel Team Agency of the Year', in recognition of the outstanding hard work and commitment of everyone at Kuoni.

"Kuoni has enjoyed considerable success in the past in both the Long Haul and Luxury Tour Operator categories but we have never before won in the Best Tour Operator section which includes all tour operators large and small.

"I am so proud of the team's achievements and to have been recognised by our industry peers with these accolades."

TTG Brand Director, Daniel Pearce, added: "I'd personally like to congratulate Kuoni on winning 'Tour Operator of the Year' and 'Travel Team Agency of the Year' at the TTG Travel Awards 2012. With over 30,000 travel agent ratings and an esteemed panel of judges, our rigorous judging process makes winning these awards a huge achievement in the travel industry."

Judges for the awards include experts from trade bodies and leading travel companies and the Institute of Travel and Tourism, as well as leading figures from the worlds of commerce and retail.

About Kuoni:
Kuoni was established in 1906 in Switzerland by Alfred Kuoni, a visionary adventurer and explorer of his time who opened some of Europe's first travel agencies. Today Kuoni has branch operations in over 40 countries offering a range of luxury holidays in many locations around the world, including Maldives holidays, Mauritius holidays, Bangkok holidays, Mexico holidays and Grenada holidays. For 106 years' Kuoni has been creating holidays with a spirit of adventure. Kuoni is ABTA and ATOL protected, giving customers financial protection and ensuring they won't be stranded abroad.

For customers who like to book a holiday face-to-face with their own personal consultant, they are invited to pop into one of Kuoni's 21 exclusive travel stores across the UK or one of four Kuoni Partnership Stores, which are leading independent travel agents with a first class reputation in their towns and cities. With stylish decor, impeccable service and the expert knowledge of Personal Travel Experts, Kuoni strive to make sure that customers' holidays start the second they walk through the door.

Kuoni stores can be found in: High Street Kensington, Knightsbridge and London City, Bluewater, Bristol, Cambridge, Canterbury, Cheltenham, Chichester, Dorking, Kingston, Guildford, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Nottingham, Sheffield, Solihull, Westfield Stratford and Winchester. Kuoni Partnership Stores include: Baldwins Travel Agency Ltd, Maidstone; Peter Goord Travel, Plymouth; Travel Bureau, Gosforth; World Market Travel, Bath.

Website: www.kuoni.co.uk