The TIAs

I both love and hate this time of year.  I love the build up to the SuperBowl (although, as a Vikes fan, I don’t want to talk about Sunday’s game!)  I love thinking about the upcoming vacation to someplace warm and sandy.  I love the feel of a new year with new possibilities.  I, however, am NOT a fan of all the awards shows…so I thought I would put my own spin on awards and award shows and give out some awards of my own! I am calling the awards, the Tias.  (Travel Industry Awards)

Best Drama in the Travel Industry – Consolidation of any sort.  Hotels, Airlines, Technology, Association, you name it.  All of the consolidations cause drama…but like with most good dramas, when the dust settles, everything works out. 

Best Comedy in the Travel Industry – The hold out states in the Read ID Act.  Seriously, you mean to tell me you still, after all this time, don’t have your act together?  It’s no laughing matter, but it really is kind of comedic in a way. 

Best Leading Actress in the Travel Industry – This award goes to Mary Bastrentaz, Accenture.  She led the way for women on the buyer side of the industry and showed us all that hard work, relationships and taking care of people are what matter. 

Best Leading Actor in the Travel Industry – Jeroen Van Velzen, CEO of Roadmap.  Not only is he “bringing sexy back,” he is giving the traveler what they want. 

Best Director in the Travel Industry – The traveler.  In the wake of the Paris bombing, they were not afraid to get back to work and do what needed to be done.  They are the ones we take our cues from on what we can do to make their production the best one, trip after trip. 

Best Score in the Travel Industry – The award goes to United Airlines.  You can’t argue that the United Airlines Score is synonymous with United.  Every time I hear it, I know what it represents.  It’s one of those trademarks that I hope they never move away from. 

Best Supporting Staff in the Travel Industry – This honor goes to every hotel maid out there.  Think of the things they have to do, see and put up with; day in and day out.  They come to work early, they clean up others people mess and are, at time, taken for granted.  This is a group I always remember to say thank you to, good morning to and leave something for them.  They are the bedrock that keeps the industry on the road for without them, hotels would close.