More than 168 companies, individuals and destinations were celebrated by the readers of TravelAge West as part of the WAVE (Western Advisors’ Votes of Excellence) Awards held June 9 in Marina del Rey, Calif., at The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey. Honorees were recognized in 69 categories that included cruise, tour operator, airline, hotel and resort, destination, rail vacation and travel insurance companies. The annual awards give travel advisors in the Western U.S. 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 2022 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 3,800 travel advisor professionals throughout the 15 Western states 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.

“As we emerge from dark times for our industry, we were so honored to have everyone with us in person to recognize the best of the best in our industry”, Shapiro said. “The awards are a celebration of travel, and this year you could really sense the excitement of the return of better times ahead.”

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 2022 TravelAge WestExcellence in Leadership Awards went to Jackie Friedman, President of Nexion Travel Group and Alex Sharpe, President of Signature Travel Network.

“Both Jackie and Alex provide shining examples of leadership when times are bad,” Shapiro said. “The support they showed their partners, including travel advisors, during the pandemic was truly inspirational.”

TravelAge West will feature WAVE Awards coverage in the July 11, 2022 issue.

To view a list of the WAVE Awards winners click here.