An Ayrshire travel agency has been named as the best in Scotland.
Thorne Travel was named Scotland’s Top Travel Agency as part of the TTG Top 50 Travel Agencies 2023: an annual power-list of the nation’s best agents by industry bible, Travel Trade Gazette.
It is the fourth time the agency has taken the crown, following wins in 2018, 2020 and 2022.
Starting out in Kilwinning, the travel agent has now branched out into Largs to open a second shop and they're going from strength to strength.
Business owner and managing director Shona Thorne said: “To be nominated is a great honour but to win for a fourth time is simply amazing"
"I want to thank our wonderful customers for their continued support. Without them we would not be the success that we are today. Thanks also goes to our incredible team who work tirelessly to deliver quality holidays at great prices and ensure that our customers always receive an outstanding service."
"This accolade comes at an exciting time for our business as we continue to grow our team of travel experts across our branches”.
TTG editorial director Pippa Jacks added: “Now in its eighth year, our TTG Top 50 Travel Agencies initiative sees us tour the length and breadth of the UK and Ireland to find those travel agents who have worked smartest, provided the best customer service, and done most to contribute to a fairer travel industry, in the last year.
“We were delighted to see the high street travel agency sector performing so strongly, with almost every finalist reporting a record year of sales in the last 12 months – reaping the rewards of the extraordinary service they offered to clients during the challenges of recent years. There is no doubting that the high street travel agent is here to stay – and that holidaymakers are valuing their expertise more than ever.”
About Thorne Travel’s win, judges said: “Thorne Travel takes the crown in Scotland yet again after a year of innovation. A new cruise department, bookable website launch, store revamp and published environmental policy put this agency at the top of its game.
The business may have recently taken on a second branch in Largs, but customer care and staff satisfaction remain the top priorities. Thorne Travel is clearly not just a business - it’s a community. And one that is going from strength to strength.”
The TTG Top 50 ceremony took place at The Vox in Birmingham on Thursday, April 27 with more than 500 of the UK and Ireland’s top travel agents and supplier-partners in attendance, with entertainment from Fine Young Cannibals’ Roland Gift and chart-topper Chesney Hawkes.
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