The award celebrates the agents and businesses delivering exceptional service.
An award-winning local travel business owner has once again been recognised among the very best in the country after being shortlisted for a prestigious national travel industry award.
Wendy Haines, owner of Wendy Haines Travel and founder of the popular travel community Wendy’s Wanderers, has been named one of just six finalists in the Leisure Agent of the Year category at the 2026 Travel Weekly Agent Achievement Awards.
Widely regarded as one of the travel industry’s most respected accolades, the awards celebrate the agents and businesses delivering exceptional service, expertise and results for customers across the UK and Ireland. The shortlist is particularly significant for Wendy, who won the same award in 2023 and admits she was “gobsmacked” to find herself back among the finalists once again.
This year’s awards attracted nominations from more than 100 travel suppliers, including major tour operators, cruise lines, airlines, tourist boards and travel partners, making Wendy’s place on the shortlist an outstanding achievement.
Over the past year, Wendy Haines Travel has continued to grow through its reputation for exceptional customer service, expert travel advice and personalised holiday planning.
Alongside the business, Wendy’s Wanderers has gone from strength to strength, creating a thriving community of travellers who enjoy escorted holidays, social events and shared travel experiences.
Speaking about the recognition, Wendy said:
When I won this award in 2023, I honestly never imagined I’d be shortlisted again, so to find myself among the finalists once more was completely gobsmacking.
To be one of only six finalists across the whole of the UK and Ireland is a huge honour and something I’m incredibly proud of. The standard within our industry is exceptionally high, which makes this recognition even more special.
I’m so grateful to my amazing team, my loyal clients and everyone who supports both Wendy Haines Travel and Wendy’s Wanderers. Their trust and encouragement mean everything to me. Whatever happens on the night, being recognised at this level is an achievement I’m incredibly proud of.
With more than 30 years of experience in the travel industry, Wendy has built a trusted and respected business known for its personal service, attention to detail and genuine passion for helping people create unforgettable travel memories.
The winners will be announced at a gala ceremony at the Westminster Park Plaza Hotel in London on 9 July, where travel professionals from across the UK and Ireland will gather for what is widely regarded as the industry’s biggest celebration of travel agents.
Whatever the outcome, Wendy’s latest shortlist recognition is a testament to the successful business and loyal travel community she has built, both locally and across the UK.
Visit Wendy Haines Travel at The Courtyard at Craythorne Farm, Stretton, DE13 0AZ, or contact enquiries@wendyhainestravel.co.uk / 0330 880 7813.