More than 220 companies, individuals and destinations were celebrated by the readers of TravelAge West as part of the WAVE Awards held June 13 in Marina del Rey, California, at The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey. Honorees were recognized in 88 categories that included cruise, tour operator, airline, hotel and resort, destination, rail vacation and travel insurance companies. The annual awards give travel advisors the opportunity to recognize the outstanding qualities and services of their travel supplier partners.
In addition, top travel advisors were honored in five categories as part of the 2024 Trendsetters Awards, also presented at the gala. Categories included: Best Use of Social Media, Upward Bound Rock Star Advisor Under 40, Best Group Booking Effort, Best Targeted Marketing Idea and Saving the Day.
More than 6,400 travel advisor professionals throughout the U.S. and readers of TravelAge West voted on the best-of-the-best from a list of Editor’s Pick award recipients that were chosen after careful review by Kenneth Shapiro, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of TravelAge West and the editorial team of TravelAge West. Review methods included product analysis, on-site visits, a survey of a select group of industry advisors and online research.
“By any measure, travel is booming,” Shapiro said. “The WAVE Awards give travel advisors the opportunity to recognize the great travel companies that go above and beyond to make sure their customers have an amazing experience as they see the world. It’s this partnership — between advisors and suppliers — that makes bucket-list travel experiences possible for so many.”
This year, TravelAge West once again awarded its Excellence in Leadership Award, which honors individuals who, in the course of their careers in travel and tourism, have consistently demonstrated leadership and insight, effected change or innovation and made extraordinary contributions to both organizations and the industry at large. The 2024 TravelAge West Excellence in Leadership Awards went to Christopher Prelog, president, Windstar Cruises and John Lovell, CTC and president of Travel Leaders Group. New to the WAVE Awards this year was the Legend of the West, sponsored by Azamara Cruises. This award is presented to a Western travel advisor and entrepreneur who has made a significant contribution to all advisors in the industry. This year’s Legend of the West was awarded to Craig Pavlus, CEO and founder of Pavlus Travel.
“All of our Leadership Award winners show true dedication to the travel industry, helping to make their brands and organizations models for others to follow,” Shapiro said.
At the black-tie event, guests dined on a four-course meal while being treated to a multimedia presentation of the award recipients.
TravelAge West will feature WAVE Awards coverage in the July 15, 2024 issue. Visit the WAVE Awards website for a list of this year’s WAVE Award winners and Trendsetter Award Recipients.
