A CLEVEDON travel agency which offers a "personal touch" has been named as one of the best in the UK and Ireland.

Global Independent Travel, located in The Triangle, earned one of 50 places in the TTG's Top 50 Travel Agencies 2024 list by the Travel Trade Gazette.

Over 400 branches and travel companies registered to take part in the awards, which were whittled down to 95 finalists who were judged on customer service, expertise, team culture and commitment to sustainable travel. 

An awards ceremony took place at Victoria Warehouse in Manchester last week (Thursday, April 25).

TTG’s interim editor Sarah Dennis said: “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 the smartest, provided the best customer service, and done the most to contribute to a fairer travel industry, in the last year.

“Despite everything the retail sector and travel industry has faced in the past 12 months, there is no doubting that the professional travel agent is here to stay – and that holidaymakers are valuing their expertise more than ever. 

“Being named a Top 50 travel agency is an incredible accolade that is testament of the exceptional service holidaymakers can expect from the UK and Ireland travel agent community. Our Top 50 travel agencies for 2024 should all be incredibly proud.” 

North Somerset Times: Team at Global Independent Travel.Team at Global Independent Travel. (Image: Global Independent Travel)North Somerset Times: An awards ceremony was held last week.An awards ceremony was held last week. (Image: Global Independent Travel)

The Clevedon branch received praise for its customer service and "personal touch."

Judges said: “The five-strong team at Global Independent Travel have 110 years of combined experience in selling travel and it shows.

"With the agency celebrating its most successful month ever in January 2024 and 80 per cent of customers returning to make a second holiday booking after their first, this team is dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service and offering a personal touch that sets them apart from the rest.”

On top of that, the company impressed judges with its efforts to fundraise for Breast Cancer Now, the agency’s annual Holiday Show event.

Manchester United footballer and recent Premier League Hall of Fame inductee, Andy Cole, attended the awards ceremony.

Ibiza floor-filler Ellie Sax also marked the occasion with a performance.