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Travel Consultant of the Year Wins Her Second Luxury Car

Tuesday 30 April 2013, 11:33AM

By Impact PR

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Winner with CEO for the House of Travel, Mark O'Donnell
Winner with CEO for the House of Travel, Mark O'Donnell Credit: Impact PR

HAMILTON

Two-time travel award winner, Judy Harkness, has added a shiny new Renault Megane to her winning fleet.

The consultant from House of Travel Calder & Lawson in Hamilton East, who won a BMW in 2006, beat more than 600 others to the spot of Top Consultant of the Year.

The title, which recognises House of Travel’s best performer for 2012, will also see Harkness join the company’s 11 other best performers on a trip to Tahiti in June. The travel enthusiast has been one of the top 12 consultants for the past ten years.

Harkness, who has worked for Calder & Lawson for more than 20 years, describes her prize as “the cherry on top”.

“House of Travel has already given me so much,” she says. “It has given me the most extraordinary gift of all by allowing me to travel to many of the more than 40 countries I have visited.”

“Through the travel I’ve done with House of Travel I’ve made the most unforgettable memories. This is my dream job – there’s nothing I’d rather do,” Harkness says.

The CEO for the House of Travel, Mark O’Donnell, says he is extremely proud of Harkness’ ongoing achievements in the company.

“Judy’s passionate approach reflects the primary values of the House of Travel, which focus on delivering top quality service and advice that is based on knowledge and experience.”

Having worked as a consultant for more than two decades, Harkness has seen the travel industry evolve considerably.

“Travellers are increasingly going online to book their trips; and though that can be challenging, we have to adapt,” she says. “However, there’s nothing quite like arranging a trip with a consultant face-to-face. We can tell a client about that little cafe they’d otherwise never find, or that fantastic authentic restaurant where all the locals eat. Seeing a consultant provides a huge point of difference.”

Harkness received her prestigious award at House of Travel’s annual prize-giving in Auckland on April 13.