A WEYMOUTH travel agency has been named the best in the south west.

Hays Travel was declared the ‘South West’s Top Travel Agency’ by the Travel Trade Gazette (TTG) in their Top 50 Travel Agencies 2019.

The Weymouth agency was selected from among 110 finalists across 22 categories.

It won the south west category from a shortlist of five.

Weymouth branch manager, Katie Bunting, said: “To be honest we still can’t believe we have won this incredible award!

“I am so proud of my team and how far we have come together.

“This award is a token to my team for all the effort they have put in and all the motivation and trust that they show me.

“It’s great to champion the high street in a small seaside town and thrive as a business knowing we are supported locally.”

The branch was shortlisted by a process conducted by a panel of 60 travel suppliers including airlines, tour operators and car hire providers.

They rated agencies according to their business performance, customer service and expertise.

The shortlisted agencies were visited and interviewed by a TTG journalist who decided which would make it to the Top 50 list.

TTG group editor, Pippa Jacks, said: “Now in its fourth year, our Top 50 Travel Agencies initiative has seen us tour the length and breadth of the UK and Ireland to uncover its most dedicated and innovative travel agency businesses.

“Our winners demonstrate that travel retailing in 2019 is a vibrant and successful business sector, and that experienced travel professionals continue to add value through their expertise and by delivering extraordinary service to their customers.

"The team at Hays Travel in Weymouth impressed our judges with their huge team spirit, their entrepreneurial approach, their extraordinary focus on training, and the very impressive feedback they have received from clients. Huge congratulations to Katie and the team for this fantastic achievement."

The full Top 50 shortlist can be found at ttgtop50.com.

Hays Travel’s retail and training director, Jane Schumm, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that our Weymouth branch has made it onto this prestigious list.

“At Hays Travel we pride ourselves on our high levels of customer service and the staff at our Weymouth branch are no exception; I’m really proud of them all.”