AUSTIN, TX (October 15, 2023) – AAA Travel, one of North America’s largest leisure travel agencies, unveiled its Partner of the Year Awards at its annual Travel Conference held in Austin, Texas this year. These highly coveted awards recognize the partners’ commitment to providing AAA travel agents and members with exemplary travel services in their respective product categories and for marketing, member service, and travel agency support. Additionally, AAA’s top-performing agents were honored with Travel Agent Superlative Awards for sales performance.
“Travel is our passion, and we are proud to work with the best travel companies in the industry,” said Paula Twidale, Senior VP of AAA Travel. “We’re thrilled to announce this year’s Partner of the Year Awards to some of the most trusted and prestigious travel brands that offer exceptional value to our members. We’re also proud to recognize top AAA travel agents who work tirelessly to provide quality travel services and ensure memorable vacations.”
AAA Travel Partner of the Year Awards 2023
River Cruise: AmaWaterways
Ocean Cruise: Royal Caribbean International
Lodging: Hilton
Guided Tour: AAA Member Choice Vacations
Independent Tour: Pleasant Holidays
AAA Travel Category Award Winners 2023
Best in Marketing
Cruise: Royal Caribbean International
Lodging: Hyatt
Tour: Pleasant Holidays
Best in Member Support
Cruise: Royal Caribbean International
Lodging: Hilton
Tour: Pleasant Holidays
Best in Travel Agency Support
Cruise: Princess Cruises
Lodging: Hilton
Tour: Pleasant Holidays
AAA Travel Conference Superlative Award Winners 2023
Highest Association Sales Volume Overall: Xanthe Ostrowski- AAA Minneapolis
Highest Association Revenue Produced Overall: Xanthe Ostrowski- AAA Minneapolis
Highest Association Preferred Cruise Sales: Xanthe Ostrowski- AAA Minneapolis
Highest Association Preferred Tour Sales: Beth Rackham- AAA Auto Club Group
2023 Best in Class Award Winners
Highest Association Sales Volume Overall
Mega/Large Club: Joanna Kuo- AAA Club Alliance
Mid-Size Club: Chris Blazer- AAA Washington
Smaller Club: Xanthe Ostrowski- AAA Minneapolis
CAA: Novella Troia- CAA Manitoba
Highest Association Revenue Produced Overall
Mega/Large Club: Joanna Kuo- AAA Club Alliance
Mid-Size Club: Chris Blazer- AAA Washington
Smaller Club: Xanthe Ostrowski- AAA Minneapolis
CAA: Novella Troia- CAA Manitoba
Highest Association Preferred Cruise Sales
Mega/Large Club: Joanna Kuo- AAA Club Alliance
Mid-Size Club: Chris Blazer- AAA Washington
Smaller Club: Xanthe Ostrowski- AAA Minneapolis
Highest Association Preferred Tour Sales
Mega/Large Club: Beth Rackham- AAA Auto Club Group
Mid-Size Club: Mamie Cimato- AAA Western Central New York
Smaller Club: Xanthe Ostrowski- AAA Minneapolis
The Partner of the Year Award selection process included surveys and evaluations from the association’s club travel agency executives. Superlative Awards are based on agents’ leisure travel productivity and leisure group sales from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023. Thousands of agents were eligible for the awards, and AAA clubs nominated their top achievers.
About AAA
Started in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts who wanted to chart a path for better roads in America and advocate for safe mobility, AAA has transformed into one of North America’s largest membership organizations. Today, AAA provides roadside assistance, travel, discounts, and financial and insurance services to enhance the life journey of 64 million members across North America, including 57 million in the United States. To learn more about all AAA offers or become a member, visit AAA.com.