The Awards of Excellence winners are...

News / Tour Operator

03-16-2016 11:25 am

Logimonde Media’s annual Awards of Excellence competition gives travel pros an opportunity to nominate their industry peers and colleagues for special recognition.

Throughout the months of February and March, Canadian travel professionals were invited to visit PAXnews.com and vote for nominees in five categories: travel agent of the year, reservation agent of the year, representative of the year, personality of the year, as well as rookie of the year.

The response we received from readers was phenomenal. However, only one person from each category was victorious.

And so, without further ado, we're thrilled to announce this year's Awards of Excellence winners.

The envelope, please…

Carl Henderson, Travel Professionals International Travel Agent of the Year

Carl Henderson – Travel Professionals International

Carl Henderson has worked in the travel industry for 18 years, spending the past four years as an expert in travel to Tahiti. “It’s very humbling to be recognized by agents across the country,” Henderson told PAX on winning the award. “It’s fabulous.” Readers who voted for Henderson, and submitted comments, reffered to him as "an amazing resource," praising him for his "exceptional service to his clientele," and his "amazing smile."

Reservation Agent of the Year

Apryl Cerra – Sunwing Travel Group

Apryl Cerra specializes in large group bookings and thrives at building new relationships with agencies. “I’m really grateful,” Cerra told PAX, commenting on her win. “My whole team deserves [the recognition]. I can’t do it without them.” Cerra would like to thank Marion Primeau at Sportscorp Travel for nominating her. Readers who voted for Cerra, and submitted comments, said she is "the quickest and most efficient agent out there" who goes "above and beyond to get groups the best experience with their vacation or wedding."

Marilisa De Simone, Carnival Cruise Lines Representative of the Year

Marilisa De Simone – Carnival Cruise Lines

Marilisa De Simone told PAX that it’s an honour to know her colleagues see her in a positive light, and appreciates the fact they took the time to vote for her. “It’s tremendous. I’m speechless,” she said, stating the recognition makes her work worthwhile. Readers who voted for De Simone, and submitted comments, said she is "a breath of fresh air with a heart of gold" who "really cares about her agents."

Personality of the Year

Zeina Gedeon, TravelBrands

Zeina Gedeon – TravelBrands

As CEO of TravelBrands, Zeina Gedeon takes care of her customers and employees with infectious positive energy and her “tell it like it is” attitude. How does she describe her personality? “I am so full of life!” Gedeon told PAX. “Life is too short…I enjoy it to the fullest!” Gedeon said she is “humbled and honoured” to win the award. Readers who voted for Gedeon, and submitted comments, praised her for her "fearless leadership."

Rookie of the Year

Shalene Dudley – The Travel Agent Next Door

Shalene Dudley, The Travel Agent Next Door

Shalene Dudley has been a certified romance and wedding travel specialist for a short period of time and has already got 12 weddings, five groups and three bridal shows under her belt. “I’m on a roll!” said Dudley, an interior designer by trade who previously worked as a construction project manager. Dudley pursued the travel biz after experiencing the process of planning her own destination wedding back in 2009. After that, a career in travel “fell into my lap,” she told PAX. Dudley would like to thank all the agents “who have been around a lot longer than me” for sharing tips and pointers along the way. Readers who voted for Dudley, and submitted comments, called her "bright and enthusiastic" and praised her for "going out of the way to help her clients."

Congratulations to all the winners! PAX would like to thank all who participated.