Jimmy Martin Travel in Edinburgh has scooped the title of Scottish Agency of the Year (small) in the Agent Achievement Awards for the second year in a row.

The awards celebrate achievement in the front-line travel trade and the ceremony took place in London. More than 850 industry professionals attended the prestigious event.

Jimmy Martin Travel is based in Raeburn Place in Stockbridge in the capital and was established in 2001. Jimmy himself has more than 30 years’ experience as a travel agent. The firm employs five staff with some having been there since the day the agency opened its doors.

Jimmy Martin, a former president of the Scottish Passenger Agent’s Association, said : “To win this award for the second year in a row is fantastic. Being recognised by our peers as the best in Scotland is great for our team and for our clients. In a world of value for money, increasing solo travel and concerns around traveling post Brexit, travel agents are undergoing a renaissance and a resurgence in business. People value independent advice from experts and the safety net which a travel agent provides.

“Travellers value the personal touch and expertise which we as industry professionals offer. It’s true that technology is hugely important in travel booking, but knowledgeable, welcoming people will always be the most important asset which any travel agent has.

“Travel agents come into their own when there’s a complex itinerary to plan and we’ve certainly seen an increase in recent years for travellers of all generations who are seeking new life skills and the opportunity to learn something new or the chance to volunteer on their trip.

“Similarly, solo travellers value the knowledge we have of the destinations, resorts, facilities and trips and how we can tailor a package to meet their precise needs. Our client often book with us to travel to places they would never have even thought of before – or imagined could be so affordable.”

The awards are considered to be the absolute pinnacle of excellence for the UK travel trade, benchmarking winners as truly excellent. The nominees are voted on by their suppliers. Jimmy Martin Travel beat off competition from four other Scottish agencies to scoop the award.

www.jimmymartintravel.com The shop, open Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.30pm and Saturday 9.00am to 4.00pm is at 94 Raeburn Place, Stockbridge, Edinburgh.

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Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
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