PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Island — More that 15 top travel agents and partners in the industry, from across North America and the United Kingdom, on Saturday received awards for pulling in visitors to the Caribbean region.

The awards were presented by chairman of Sandals and Beaches Resorts International, Gordon “Butch” Stewart, at the company’s 10th Annual Ultra Awards Celebration at the Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort.

“We want to thank you all who have supported us week in and week out to grow from strength to strength. For an unprecedented ninth year in a row, travel agencies worldwide have voted Sandals Resorts the World’s Leading All-Inclusive Company, and I want to thank you for it,” Stewart said during a glittering ceremony held at the resort’s French Village Courtyard.

GOGO Worldwide Vacations of New Jersey, USA copped the World’s Number One Producer Award for the 10th consecutive year. This award is based on dollar sales volume for arrivals from August 1, 2002 to July 31, 2003.

The 50 year-old company, and a top producer for more than 200 leisure destinations worldwide, was also presented with the first Decade Award, symbolising 10 years of outstanding performance, dedication and commitment to the Sandals & Beaches Resorts family.

Top Producing Tour Operator/Wholesale Producer, also based on dollar sales volume, was awarded to the top three producers in the US, UK and Canada. First places went to Mark Travel Corporation of the USA; Air Canada Vacations, and Virgin Holidays of the UK.

In the Top Suite Sellers category, Mark Travel Corporation and GOGO Worldwide Vacations were also recognised for outstanding performances; while 10 Sandals resorts, including Sandals Dunns River Golf Resort and Spa; Sandals Halcyon, St Lucia, Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort and Spa; Sandals Antigua Resort; Sandals Regency, St Lucia were awarded for top bookings in this category.

Maritez Travel Company of the USA and Air Canada Vacations both won top awards for group producers based on dollar sales volume for arrivals while Hotel Plan of Italy was adjudged Best Continental European Tour Operator.

In terms of sustained production targets based on the largest dollar sales volume percentage increase from 2001/2002 to 2002/2003, EXPEDIA and Thomson Worldwide of the USA and the UK topped the list respectively.

While the awards function was held specifically to honour partners in the travel industry, Stewart used the occasion to induct three of his employees into the Sandals Hall of Fame. They are Robert “Daddy” Stone, first employee of the Sandals chain who is now director of services at Sandals Montego Bay; Merrick Fray, managing director of Sandals Resorts International, who has been working with the company for 22 years; and Jim Proctor, vice-president of product development of Air Canada Vacations. He has been working with Stewart and the Sandals organisation for 22 years.

In turn, Stewart was honoured by American Airlines Vacations for his continued support to the air travel industry, even in the face of adversities and the downturn following the post-9/11 events.

“We wish to thank you, Mr Stewart, for your contribution and for helping us out during the good as well as the bad times,” said Richie Christie of America Airlines Vacations who presented the award.