A KILWINNING travel agent has been shortlisted as one of the best travel agencies in the British Isles.

Thorne Travel has been selected as one of the top five high street agencies in the Scottish region, as part of a power-list of the nation’s best agents by industry bible the Travel Trade Gazette.

More than 900 travel agencies and branches put themselves forward for consideration for TTG’s Top 50 Travel Agencies 2018 – in association with Kuoni - from which a shortlist of 95 finalists across 19 categories has been devised.

On April 26, 2018, the 50 agencies that have ultimately earned a place in the Top 50 list for 2018 will be announced at a glittering ceremony at The Vox Centre in Birmingham.

TTG editor Pippa Jacks said: “Now in its third year, our Top 50 Travel Agencies initiative takes us the length and breadth of the country to uncover stories of brilliant agents going the extra mile for their customers, giving great value, and serving their communities.

“With extremely stiff competition once again this year, any high street agency that has made it onto the shortlist should be extremely proud.”

Shona Thorne managing director said: “Moving forward, the future is bright for Thorne. We have evolved from being a service industry offering you a flight, room and some food, to offering mindblowing experiences. It is in this area that Thorne Travel will continue to grow and expand”.

The shortlisting stage was undertaken by a panel of 60 travel suppliers including airlines, tour operators, cruise lines and car hire providers, who rated hopeful agencies according to their business performance, customer service and innovation.

In the next stage of judging, a TTG journalist will visit each shortlisted agency to carry out an assessment.