Colletts Travel scoops second Virtuoso award

Colletts Travel, which has its head office in Hendon, in north London, won the award for “top production” in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region during Virtuoso Travel Week, held in Las Vegas.

The agency previously won the same award at Virtuoso’s 2016 awards and beat off strong competition from fellow members such as Black Tomato, Quintessentially Travel, Reed & Mackay and Ten Lifestyle to retain the 2017 crown for most sales made through Virtuoso suppliers in the region.

Roy Collett, who founded Colletts Travel in 1983 and is now joint director of the company with Michael Berlin, said the agency was “thrilled” to have won the award again.

“We had no idea we were going to win last year and we were not even there in Las Vegas to pick it up,” said Collett.

“We knew we had a chance this year as we had doubled our production since last year. Our sales and marketing manager Jason Palmer was there this time however to pick up the award.

“It’s quite a prestigious award. It is gratifying to be recognised by our peers and a significant honour in this highly competitive network and industry.”

Colletts Travel, which employs around 50 people including six homeworkers, became one of the founding UK members of Virtuoso in 2014 as the network looked to expand into Europe.

“The contacts we make through being a member of Virtuoso really make a big difference,” added Collett. “We get so much more added value for clients from hotels with rates that include breakfast and room upgrades.”

It’s been a big year for Advantage Travel Partnership member Colletts Travel, which was purchased by US-based Travel Leaders in February.

“For our customers, it’s been business as usual,”said Collett. “But being part of Travel Leaders gives us more buying power.”

David Kolner, senior vice- president, global member partnerships for Virtuoso, added: “Colletts Travel’s achievements help set a new high bar for the luxury travel industry.

“This award places Colletts Travel in a very exclusive category.”