UNIGLOBE Island Travel has been given an award recognising its commitment to staff development and training. The company is the latest member of the Association of British Travel Agents to receive the gold award.

‘We were really thrilled about it,’ said director Amanda Eulenkamp.

‘The staff have sat down and done a lot of individual training. We’ve really focused on it.’

She said the company set about putting together comprehensive schemes following the decline in travel from the 11 September terrorist attacks and the outbreak of the Sars virus.

‘It was a bit of a catalyst. We thought that when the trade picked up we would have fully-trained staff.’

The appointment of training manager Kathy Bellworthy in addition to regular staff appraisal schemes has helped.

About 180 branches in the UK have the award.

It has been specially designed by Abta for the travel industry to raise standards, increase competence of staff and enhance customer service and professionalism in the travel industry’s workforce.

‘At the moment, only the elite in the travel industry have achieved this gold standard,’ said Ian Reynolds, chief executive of Abta.

‘As a customer, this award will tell you that you can expect to receive the best quality of service from a company committed to training their staff to the highest level. Additionally, it is the competence of staff and the quality of customer service which will set companies apart and ensure their survival and success.’