Travel Weekly
June 9, 2023
Railbookers was honored with the 2023 WAVE Award in the category of Best Rail Vacation Provider on June 8 in Marina del Rey, California as part of the TravelAge West WAVE Awards.
LOS ANGELES — More than 190 companies, individuals and destinations were celebrated by the readers of TravelAge West as part of the WAVE Awards held June 8 in Marina del Rey, Calif., at The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey. Honorees were recognized in 76 categories that included cruise, tour operator, airline, hotel and resort, destination, rail vacation and travel insurance companies. The annual awards give travel advisors the opportunity to recognize the outstanding qualities and services of their travel supplier partners.
In addition, top travel advisors were honored in four categories as part of the 2023 Trendsetters Awards, also presented at the gala. Categories included: Best Use of Social Media, Upward Bound Rock Star Advisor Under 40, Best Group Booking Effort and Best Targeted Marketing Idea.
More than 6,500 travel advisor professionals throughout the U.S. and readers of TravelAge West voted on the best-of-the-best from a list of Editor’s Pick award recipients that were chosen after careful review by Kenneth Shapiro, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of TravelAge West and the editorial team of TravelAge West. Review methods included product analysis, on-site visits, a survey of a select group of industry advisors and online research.
“With travel booming post-pandemic, the WAVE Awards have taken on an even greater significance,” Shapiro said.
“Travel advisors want to acknowledge the great travel companies that go above and beyond to take such good care of their customers as they once again travel the world.”
This year, TravelAge West once again awarded its Excellence in Leadership Award, which honors individuals who, in the course of their careers in travel and tourism, have consistently demonstrated leadership and insight, effected change or innovation and made extraordinary contributions to both organizations and the industry at large. The 2023 TravelAge West Excellence in Leadership Awards went to Michele Saegesser, Rodrigo Esponda Cascajares and Scott Koepf.
All of our Leadership Award winners show true dedication to the travel industry, helping to make their brands and organizations models for others to follow,” Shapiro said.
At the black-tie event, guests dined on a four-course meal while being treated to a multimedia presentation of the award recipients.
TravelAge West will feature WAVE Awards coverage in the July 10 issue.
TravelAge West has been serving the travel industry for 53 years as a leading source of travel industry news and product information.
For more information, visit www.railbookers.com or call 1-888-829-3040.
