A Cumbrian cruise agent has been recognised as one of the best in the UK.
Jamie Harris has been named as a Cruise Agent of the Year finalist in the Travel Trade Gazette’s (TTG) The Travel Agent Awards 2021.
Harris, a sales team manager at Cruise Direct (part of the Barrhead Travel Group), earned his place through his efforts to grow stronger through the COVID-19 crisis.
The inaugural award scheme was this year shining light on those who made an incredible impression with their clients, colleagues, partners and communities over the past 12 months.
Harris holds an abundance of service traits acknowledged as part of the judging process, one being his dedication to his customers. Jamie often works seven days a week, round the clock, making it his personal mission to service customers to his usual high standard amid the fallout of the pandemic.
Harris’s extensive experience in the cruise field was another attribute recognised by the judging panel. With more than two decades in the industry, Harris has personally embarked on over 100 cruise holidays, accruing a wealth of knowledge hard to come by in the sector.
“While the pandemic caused a great deal of turbulence to our industry, it also shone a light on the value of booking with a reputable travel agent,” said Jamie Harris. “People now realise that expertise and protection are worth their weight in gold when it comes to booking a holiday.
“With more people now having had both vaccines, we are witnessing the pent-up demand unleash with couples, friends and families booking spontaneous trips or arranging their bucket list cruise. I think after the year people have had, they are looking to live life to the fullest and do the things they have been dreaming of for nearly 18 months.”
Harris is one of a team of travel specialists in the Cruise Direct office, based in Barrow. The team operate virtually, over the phone and offer consultations by appointment.
Harris reports that the demand for cruise is mounting, particularly for next summer and into 2023.