Carrier honours top-performing agents at annual awards event

Luxury operator Carrier recognised more than 30 of its top-performing agent partners at its annual A-List Awards on Friday (March 20).

The ceremony was held at Sopwell House in Hertfordshire, marking a new venue and a “refreshed format” for the event, which introduced a supplier networking session, prize draw and overnight stay for attendees.

Accolades were awarded across individual, regional and group categories, with winners including Wimbledon-based agency Swords Travel, who took home the title of Outstanding Team in Luxury, and 360 Private Travel, who were named Luxury Group of the Year.

Mel Fell of American Express Travel & Lifestyle Management won the award for Outstanding Individual in Luxury, while Lear Travel founder Nadine Lear was recognised in the Luxury Booking of the Year category.

Other winners included Janey Berry of Berry Travel (The Spirit of Carrier Award 2026), Emma Frearson from Luxury Travel By Emma (Managing Director’s Award 2026), and Jen Longergan from The Luxury Traveller (Luxury Travel Designer of the Year).

London agency Travelwise was named Luxury Retail Agent of the Year – UK.

Carrier’s head of trade partnerships Lee Marshall said: “[The awards] are the absolute highlight of our event calendar. It’s a celebration of our incredible community, comprising our most cherished agent partners from all across the UK and our product suppliers.

“It’s an opportunity to recognise the mastery behind truly exceptional travel. Our agent partners continue to raise the bar through creativity, expertise and genuine care – they’re the beating heart of our community.”

During the ceremony, Carrier spotlighted boutique Sri Lanka hotel brand Uga as its 2026 charitable partnership. Agents in attendance had the opportunity to win a seven-night multi-centre trip to Sri Lanka by making a donation to the hotel group’s Uga Ulagalla Elephant Research Center, raising more than £2,000, including a £500 donation from Carrier.

Managing director Natasha Towey closed the event by reinforcing that the A-List Awards and the operator’s new agent endorsement programme are part of a “clear commitment to protect, promote and develop these trusted travel advisors”.

Pictured: Members of the Carrier team at the A-List Awards 2026 / Credit: Sarah Lucy Brown