Steph and Eliot Clawson were the standout winners on the night, held at ACC Liverpool, collecting the awards for Top Performing Leisure Travel Counsellors and Top Travel Counsellors globally.

The Yorkshire-based pair, who look after more customers than anyone else within the Travel Counsellors community, described the recognition as “overwhelming” when interviewed on stage by host Vernon Kay.

Drew Palmer was named Top Performing Premium Leisure Travel Counsellor, with Alex Buckle, Christian Mascarenhas, and Lisa Hillyard also shortlisted in the category.

Nat Adams took home the award for Top Leisure New Travel Counsellor, ahead of finalists Lucie Boreham, Lucy Nallen, and Nikki Thompson. The Best Overall Business Growth award went to Preeti Mistry, with Jodi Kerr, Soni Dhariwal, and Zena Clarke recognised as runners-up.

Sarah McCarthy was named Top Performing Travel Counsellor for Ireland, beating out Catherine Maguire, Mandy Walsh and Mary Foyle.

Based in Cork and marking 20 years in travel, McCarthy told TTG: “I’m elated, I’m absolutely delighted to be here, first of all, and to be alongside these other recipients – it’s a privilege.”

She advised aspiring agents keen to follow in her footsteps: “Care the most, I have endless patience and I think that’s my biggest attribute to the travel trade. Your clients can tell. Work hard, and have the passion. There’s nothing better than putting together someone’s dream.”

On Sunday morning (9 November), four Travel Counsellors – Lisa Hillyard, Brian Telfer, Edward Pearson and Drew Palmer – were inducted into the company’s first-ever Hall of Fame.

Presented by managing director Kirsten Hughes and engagement director Karen Morris, the accolade has been introduced to honour agents who have made a lasting and significant contribution to the company.

The awards formed part of Travel Counsellors’ three-day conference, which brought together its global community to celebrate achievements and share future growth plans.