'True powerhouse' Libby scoops two top travel awards

A Hays Travel branch manager scooped two top accolades at TTG’s Travel Industry Awards in London this week.

Libby Gray, Branch Manager at Hays Travel Teesside Park, was crowned UK and Ireland Travel Agent of the Year as well as Manager of the Year.

Judges said: "Libby is a true powerhouse whose drive and innovation not only showcases her own formidable skills but helps bring on the next generation of travel agent talent.

“She is always looking to maximise opportunities and unafraid to try fresh approaches to elevate her store and the Hays brand."

As well as this, there were multiple wins for members of the Hays Travel Independence Group.

Steve Witt and Paul Harrison, founders of Not Just Travel, won the John Hays Entrepreneur Award.

The publication said they were chosen because "Steve and Paul have reciprocal entrepreneurial talents.

“They invest strongly in their people and training and are growing impressively despite significant industry challenges.

Their business has helped bring through other travel entrepreneurs, changed people’s lives and they have a clear strategy for the future."

Ben Casey, of Out of This World Travel, was named Home-Based Travel Agent of the Year.

Judges said: "Ben's business, Out of this World Travel, truly lives up to the name. He stood out for his personal depth and breadth of knowledge, his agency's end-to-end concierge approach and ambitious vision for the future, while supporting a diverse range of clientele from the LGBT+ community to neurodiverse clients and families. Utilising new technology has also created new customer service touchpoints.”

Anne Moseley, of Not Just Travel, scooped the New Home-Based Travel Agent of the Year.

Judges said: "For any agent aspiring to deliver exceptional customer service, Anne is one to watch.

“She consistently goes above and beyond with a concierge-style approach, including home visits for customers with accessibility or health needs, alongside imaginative marketing.

“From building her social media presence from scratch, to developing community partnerships and spotting unexpected sales opportunities – she is always thinking outside the box."