With 2020 fast approaching, we take a moment to reflect on our highlights of the year gone by, and what a year it’s been! From multiple travel award shortlists and wins, to fantastic adventures from all our staff to experience new destinations and resorts.
In 2019, we’ve seen our customers embark on epic journeys; from visiting the pandas in China, riding the bullet train in Tokyo, to going beyond India’s Golden Triangle and exploring Chile from top to toe. Not forgetting sightseeing the palaces of St Petersburg in Russia, journeying the heart of the Silk Road and wildlife spotting in Costa Rica!
It’s certainly been a busy year and we want to thank you for choosing us to make your travel dreams a reality.
Here’s to another year of jet setting!
Take a look at just some of our highlights…
FAM Trips
This year, our team has been fortunate enough to visit some incredible destinations all around the world, whilst gaining plenty of insights and knowledge about each location…
Wendy Wu Tour Of China
Our Senior Travel Consultant, Jayne, enjoyed a trip of a lifetime in China hosted by Wendy Wu Tours. The tour started in Chongqing, home to an astonishing 33 million people and reputedly the best hot springs in all of China! Her trip also included visits to see the Giant Pandas at Chongqing zoo, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Dazu Rock Carvings, the stunning Black Mountain Valley, and many more.
Read more about Jayne’s tour of China here
See all Wendy Wu China Tours here
Wendy Wu A Visit to Japan
Our Sales Manager, Zoe, also experienced an incredible trip to Japan this year hosted by Wendy Wu Tours. The tour included visits to three iconic areas of the country – Tokyo, Mt Fuji & Hakone, and Kyoto – each one exceeding expectations! The itinerary was jam packed full of cultural activities and plenty of opportunities to try delicious cuisine.
Read more about Zoe’s week in Japan here
See Wendy Wu A Week in Japan Tour
Fiji and An Australian Adventure
Senior Travel Consultant, Deana, was recently fortunate enough to visit two incredible destinations: Australia and Fiji. Her Australian adventure began in Perth with an incredible whale-watching tour. But the incredible activities didn’t stop there, with visits to Sydney, Fitzroy Falls, Kangaroo Valley, Jervis Bay National Park, and much more.
Deana’s trip to Fiji was also full of incredible opportunities. Starting on the beautiful Yanuca Island, with visits to Biausevu Waterfalls, Monuriki Island, and a floating bar/restaurant/club right in the magical waters of the South Pacific!
Read more about Deana’s Australian Adventure here
Read more about Deana’s Fiji experience here
A First-Timers Experience of Grand Massif
Our Digital Marketing Manager, Lucy, enjoyed a trip to Club Med’s brand new Grand Massif Resort. Built right on the edge of the mountain, Grand Massif is a fully ski-in/ski-out resort. Whether you are a complete beginner like Lucy, or looking to advance further, there are lessons included for all levels of skiers! Club Med also offer a range of non-skiing activities, kids clubs, and of course excellent inclusive food and drink facilities.
Read more about Lucy’s first time skiing here
Travel Weekly Cover Stars
Earlier this year, Zoe was also featured as Travel Weekly’s Cover Star after winning a place on the Cover Stars 2019 trip to Miami and the Bahamas. Both destinations didn’t disappoint, and cruising on-board the Norwegian Sky Ship was a great experience with plenty of included activities and amazing dining options.
Club Med Cefalu
Senior Travel Consultant, Maria, was invited to the beautiful Club Med Cefalu Resort in September. This all-inclusive resort is set along rugged sea cliffs, with unparalleled 180-degree views over the Mediterranean Sea. There are a variety of restaurants, bars and activities to choose from, including a spa and fitness classes. Cefalu Town is also within walking distance & will take around twenty minutes along the coastal road.
Award Nominations
Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Awards 2019
Celebrating the success of local businesses in the West Midlands, Travel Club Elite was shortlisted for Excellence in Retail at these annual prestigious awards back in April.
TTG Travel Awards 2019
Our Sales Manager, Zoe Franklin, fought off tough competition among the very best of the UK and Ireland’s travel suppliers and agents to be shortlisted as a finalist for Manager of the Year at the TTG Travel Awards in September.
TTG Top 50 2019
A prestigious hotlist of the nation’s top 50 travel agencies and dedicated entirely to recognising excellence in retailing, TCE was shortlisted for Top Online Agency in April.
Aspire Awards 2019
Highlighting the best in luxury travel, TCE was shortlisted as Best Concierge Agency of the Year thanks to our dedication in providing the best customer experience.
TTG Luxury Travel Awards 2019
Due to our promotion and focus on top quality niche products and fantastic Trust Pilot customer rating, Travel Club Elite was shortlisted as a finalist for the Luxury Travel Retail Business of the Year.
ATAS Awards 2019
Association of Touring and Adventure suppliers, TCE gained national recognition in the travel industry’s fastest growing sector, winning “Best Online Travel Agent” for the second year in a row. Crowned one of the best in Touring and Adventure Travel in September.
Agent Achievement Awards 2019
Established over 24 years as the UK’s leading awards for front-line travel sellers and agencies, back in July, we were shortlisted as finalists for 3 of the industry categories, including; Best Online Agency, Best Touring and Adventure Agency and Digital Champions of the Year.
