Winner of ABTA’s “Going the Extra Mile” Award announced
ABTA - The Travel Association is delighted to announce Linda Dobson of Brant Travel has won its “Going the Extra Mile” Award, presented at the Travel Brit Awards ceremony on Sunday 24 June.
Linda finds the extra time to escort at least three holiday groups a year looking after all the clients and taking extra special care of single guests and disabled passengers. This year she went the extra mile by inviting a group of 30 passengers on a cruise she has booked for her honeymoon.
ABTA and TTG teamed up to find an agent who provides outstanding customer service, often going above and beyond expectations. Nominations opened in March and entries were received from colleagues and customers alike. The judges were very impressed by the standard of the nominations but concluded that Linda really stood out.
The judges also gave a special mention to Simon Cox of Trailfinders and Helen Dooley of More than Travel for their outstanding customer service.
Linda Dobson commented on winning: “It’s lovely to be rewarded and recognised by ABTA and the travel industry for something that I enjoy. I know that some of my clients would not get a holiday if they did not join our group departures and it’s rewarding to get repeat business for the personal service we offer.
"I love taking people away and they really appreciate the fact that we offer the complete group service. Over the years many new friendships have been formed and some of our single travellers now share a room which gets rid of the single supplement. Of course the plus side for me is that I get to see many new destinations both in the United Kingdom and abroad.”
Mark Tanzer, ABTA Chief Executive said: “Congratulations to Linda and the finalists Simon and Helen. This award recognises the fantastic achievements of our Members who go out of their way to offer outstanding customer service to ensure their customers have a great holiday. Companies who offer great customer service often have loyal customers.”
The winner Linda Dobson and her nominator Philippa Smith also of Brant Travel won an iPod each.
About the Travel Brit Awards
The Travel Brit Awards is the only award ceremony exclusively celebrating travel agents selling domestic products. This year’s main sponsors include Bourne Leisure, Shearings Holidays, Superbreak, The Hoseasons Group, Great Rail Journeys, Preston Holidays, Visit England and ABTA.
Previous Travel Brit Awards have taken place in Crewe, Skegness, Harrogate and Bognor Regis.
The committee consists of the leading domestic tour operators, National Tourist Boards and retailers and aims to promote UK product to the travel trade.
Members of the ABTA UK Tourism and Leisure Committee are ABTA, Shearings Holidays, Superbreak, The Hoseasons Group, Pontins, Premier Holidays, Preston Holidays, Red Funnel, Bourne Leisure, Great Rail Journeys, Tourism Ireland, Visit England, Visit Scotland, Wales Tourist Board.