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High-end tour operator Carrier is set to announce a list of “the most inspiring and influential” agents in luxury travel.

The Carrier 30 list of winners will be released on March 5, highlighting 30 people and businesses the tour operator deems as leading the way in luxury travel. Carrier has used set criteria to determine the winners, who will be placed into one of the five following categories:

The Connoisseurs – those that offer something totally unique and exclusive. Their discreet businesses focus on servicing a select number of highly valuable, affluent clients and they take personal service to another level.

The Future Retailers – the travel agencies who are redefining the retail experience for their customers. These businesses have prominent locations in upscale neighbourhoods with innovative store design.

The Innovators – travel professionals who break the mould in terms of their approach. They favour a less conventional model and use their first-hand experience and social media engagement to influence their networks.

The Luminaries – the luxury travel industry’s most successful directors and leaders, that inspire their teams and run businesses of true scale.

The Rising Stars – the business owners that have raised their profile in the luxury travel industry last year, further enhancing their reputation in the sector through their personal service, proactive marketing and social media presence.

 

In years prior, Carrier has honoured its top partners through an annual awards ceremony, with last year’s event being held at Bafta Piccadilly just weeks before the pandemic took hold. 

Rick Milne, head of sales at Carrier, said the list would give agent partners a “much-needed morale boost” at a time of significant challenge for the trade.

He said: “Our annual awards ceremony is one of our most anticipated events, and of course this year it won’t be going ahead in the usual way. 

“Whilst the past year has been extremely difficult, it has shown the importance of exceptional service and trusted partnerships. It has shown value in businesses who take a human approach and put their customers and staff first, and for us, it is vital that we celebrate these people and businesses.