AN INDEPENDENT travel agency has won a top award for its high quality service to the people of Cumbria.

Cumbria Travel, which has a base in Workington, has been given another top industry award.

Travelpreneurs Leanne Miller and Tricia Rickerby are at the helm of the business which has now been named in the Travel Trade Gazette’s top 50 best agencies list for the 5th consecutive year.

Travel Trade Gazette’s editor, Sophie Griffiths said: “Now in its sixth year, our TTG Top 50 Travel Agencies initiative sees us scour the UK and Ireland to find the hardest-working, most committed and most successful travel agency businesses in the land.

She said: “Against the backdrop of the Coronavirus pandemic, travel agents have been tested to their limits over the past 12 months. But the nation’s best agencies have shone particularly brightly, working tirelessly – often for little or no reward – to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of their customers.

Sophie said: “From repatriating huge volumes of travellers from around the world at the start of the crisis to battling for refunds on their behalf for months on end, their worth really has been proven.”

She said: "Each agency that earned a place in our Top 50 list this year worked hard to impress our judges and should feel incredibly proud of what they have achieved."

Over 400 agencies and branches are in the running each year and a shortlist of 100 finalists across 20 categories is drawn up.

Speaking of coming out on top, Tricia Rickerby said: “We are overwhelmed and truly delighted to be named in The TTG Top 50 for the 5th consecutive year. To be runner up for the North West in what has been a challenging year for the Travel Industry has made us feel so proud and humbled. Our Team has worked tirelessly and non-stop this last 12 months and to be recognised by our peers during this time for what we have done is simply amazing.

She said: “We are also extremely grateful for the support we have received from our customers, who have continued to make their future holiday plans with us.

“I think we are all dreaming of sand on our toes and sunshine on our backs when it is safe to do so, it is good to have something to look forward too and we are genuinely thankful for that continued support.”

We want to hear about more businesses who are going above and beyond for their customers and industry. Send in your nominations in time for the next Trader of the Week.