insideKENT Magazine Issue 87 - June 2019 | Page 154

NEWS
TUNBRIDGE WELLS
TRAVEL AGENCY NAMED THE
BEST IN THE SOUTH EAST
A travel agency in Tunbridge Wells has been named as the best travel
agency in South East England.
Baldwins Travel, Tunbridge Wells was selected for this prestigious title
as part of a power-list of the nation’s best agents by industry bible the
Travel Trade Gazette.
More than 500 travel agencies and branches put themselves forward
for consideration for TTG’s Top 50 Travel Agencies 2019 – in
association with Kuoni – from which a shortlist of 100 finalists across
20 categories was devised.
The TTG Top 50 Travel Agencies list was revealed in a glittering
ceremony in Birmingham after an extensive judging process, which
saw agents rated by tour operators and other suppliers, and then
assessed by travel trade journalists.
Baldwins Travel, Tunbridge Wells was named the South East’s Top
Agency from a shortlist of five. Baldwins Travel, Uckfield also made
the shortlist and was commended as a runner up – which also places
them on the Top 50 list.
TTG group editor, Pippa Jacks, said: “Now in its fourth year, our Top
50 Travel Agencies initiative has seen us tour the length and breadth
of the UK and Ireland to uncover its most dedicated and innovative
travel agency businesses.
“Our winners demonstrate that travel retailing in 2019 is a vibrant
and successful business sector, and that experienced travel professionals
continue to add value through their expertise and by delivering
extraordinary service to their customers.
"The team at Baldwins Travel in Tunbridge Wells impressed our
judges with their impeccable customer service, their focus on training,
their exciting results in the cruise holidays sector, and strong business
growth over the last year. Huge congratulations to Kim and the team
for this fantastic achievement."
THE GLADES WINS BIG AT
INDUSTRY AWARDS NIGHT
The Glades Shopping Centre has scooped two of the top industry prizes after
being awarded the most prestigious Golden Apple, and a Purple Apple for
Best Event at the Revo Purple Apple Marketing Awards.
The Bromley centre was recognised for its one-of-a-kind Head, Shoulders,
Knees and Toes: A Journey Through the Human Body event, which was
hosted during the 2018 summer holidays, with the show-stopping activity
being in celebration of the NHS’ 70th anniversary.
Held in partnership with National Geographic Kids, an imprint of global
book publisher Harper Collins, the month-long, children-focussed, learning
initiative was named as the industry’s best event. Following this incredible
achievement, the centre went on to claim the Golden Apple gong, awarded
to the highest scoring retail entry.
Mark Haynes, Director of The Glades said: “This event created such a buzz
among the local community and the whole team is absolutely delighted and
honoured to have been recognised with not just a Purple Apple but the much
sought-after Golden Apple.
“To be given this incredible recognition really does acknowledge all the hard
work that each member of the team put into it, as well as the fantastic impact
it had on those who visited.”
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