Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) has announced Carla Hesketh from Marken Travel as the ?Travel Agent of the Year 2020?.
MTA had launched the award on the National Travel Agent Day in UK and requested recommendations from industry insiders. In addition to receiving the ?Travel Agent of the Year 2020? title, Ms Hesketh won a three-night city break for two at the Casa Rocca Piccola in Valletta. Additionally, Carla?s nominator Mandi Grundy received a place on the Malta Academy 2021 FAM to the Maltese Islands from April 1-4, next year.
Ms Hesketh works for Marken Travel, anl independent travel agent which has operated for 37 years. The company has always sold holidays to Malta as a year-round destination and has a steady list of loyal clients.
?I have visited Malta twice and the last time I visited, was more than 17 years ago; so I am very excited to return," said Ms Hesketh. "I have always loved the diversity of the island and I am grateful for the amazing opportunity to visit Valletta this time. I would like to thank Mandi for nominating me and feel very lucky to be working with some wonderful people, who form a great team.?
MTA Trade Marketing Manager, UK & Ireland, Natalie Swinburne said, ?Carla has dedicated 30 years to Marken Travel and her drive has enabled her to become the proprietor of the independent travel agency. Carla had to make the difficult decision to furlough her entire team during the height of the pandemic, and went above and beyond to reorganise customers travel plans alone. She has been an inspiration for her team for 30 years, and continues to inspire them during such challenging times.?
Tolene van der Merwe, MTA?s director UK & Ireland said, ?We launched Travel Agent of the Year on the first National Travel Agent Day as we felt, now more than ever, travel agents deserved recognition for their commitment to travel and tourism. We wanted to give the power to the travel agents in nominating their colleagues to win the award, as they are at the forefront of our industry and can see the incredible efforts their peers go to each and every day.?
For more information visit: www.maltauk.com
To watch a video from Malta Tourism Authority thanking agents, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wX4ZQF2CGHY&feature=youtu.be
