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We know you’re out there…

I was attending last year’s Carrier Retreat when I heard a priceless anecdote from an agent. Quality Travel’s Sally Faulkner shared how, when asked by a new acquaintance what she did, the blasé response back to her was: “Oh, I didn’t think people still used agents.” To which she replied: “Those who can afford one do.” It was pure genius.

How many times have you heard someone question agents’ existence, while knowing there are thousands of you in the UK? Why are people dismissive or forgetful of the value of these hard-working, creative people? Maybe fewer high street shops makes people think agents have gone away (although, we have been thrilled to hear of several new shops launching of late)? Perhaps you’ve become invisible. Or perhaps, as Sally is, something of a secret only for those “in the know”.

But we’d like to remove the misconception this is a dying breed. We know you’re out there toiling away day-in, day-out to create phenomenal holidays. And we want to champion that as much as we can, which is why 
I’m excited to tell you about the launch of something new: the Top  20 Luxury Travel Agencies by TTG Luxury.

This spring, just as fresh shoots are poking up through the ground, we thought it was time to cast some sunshine on the agency world too, by creating a list of businesses that will benefit from this recognition, highlighting professionalism and all-round greatness. So the next time someone questions if agents are “still a thing”, we can say “abso-bloody-lutely they are, and here’s a list of 20 of the best the country has to offer”, just for starters. So, keep an eye out for more news, get involved, and let’s start shouting about this industry’s mavens, mavericks and magicians.

April Hutchinson
Editor, TTG Luxury
@aprilhutchinson