A&A Legacy Travel Named Finalist at the TTG Travel Industry Awards 2025

_{Written by Elena Alexandra Mihailov
Founder & Luxury Travel Expert
Published: July 2025 • 5 min read}

Less than six months after launching A&A Legacy Travel, I received news that I will never forget.

I had been named a finalist for New Travel Agent of the Year at the TTG Travel Industry Awards 2025.

It was one of those moments that made me stop and reflect, not only on how far the business had come in such a short time, but on everything that had happened long before A&A Legacy Travel officially opened its doors.

Many people see the word "finalist" and understandably think of the announcement.

What they don't see is the journey behind it.

Becoming a finalist at the TTG Travel Industry Awards isn't simply a case of submitting an application.

The process begins with a nomination.

From there, candidates are shortlisted before being invited to complete a detailed submission covering their business, professional knowledge, customer service, achievements and approach to travel.

Those who progress are then invited to a formal interview with an experienced judging panel made up of respected professionals from across the UK travel industry.

Only after successfully progressing through each stage are the finalists selected.

Knowing I had reached that stage was an incredible honour.

It wasn't simply recognition for a few successful months.

It was recognition of the work, commitment and passion that had gone into building A&A Legacy Travel long before anyone could book a holiday with me.

Although the business officially launched in January 2025, the journey had started almost a year earlier.

During that time, I invested countless hours completing specialist destination training, building relationships with trusted travel partners, attending industry events, learning from experienced professionals and preparing every part of the business.

I wanted A&A Legacy Travel to be built on genuine knowledge, trust and personal service from day one.

Looking back, I realise that preparation made all the difference.

My own passion for travel, however, started much earlier.

One destination I often think about is Corfu, Greece.

In 2014, during a summer holiday, I experienced two unforgettable moments.

The first was parasailing above the beautiful waters of Dassia Bay.

The second was earning my scuba diving certification in Paleokastritsa.

Those experiences reminded me that travel is about far more than simply visiting a destination.

It's about challenging yourself, seeing the world from a different perspective and creating memories that stay with you for years.

That feeling has stayed with me ever since.

Years later, it became one of the reasons I founded A&A Legacy Travel.

Every holiday I plan is created with the same care and excitement that I would want for my own travels.

Whether I'm designing a luxury honeymoon, organising a family holiday, planning a tailor-made itinerary or helping someone take their very first flight, my goal is always the same.

To create experiences that people will remember long after they return home.

Who Are TTG and Why This Recognition Matters

For anyone unfamiliar with the TTG Travel Industry Awards, they are among the most respected awards in the UK travel industry.

Organised by Travel Trade Gazette (TTG), which has been reporting on the travel industry since 1953, the awards celebrate excellence across travel agencies, tour operators, destinations, airlines, cruise companies and travel professionals throughout the United Kingdom.

To be recognised as a finalist during my first year in business is something I will always be proud of.

Not because I see it as the destination.

But because I see it as encouragement to keep learning, improving and delivering the very best service I can.

Awards are wonderful.

They recognise hard work and dedication.

But the greatest reward will always be hearing from a client after they've returned home, telling me about the memories they've made with their family, the proposal that went perfectly, the honeymoon they'll never forget or the destination they unexpectedly fell in love with.

Those are the moments that remind me why I chose this career.

I'd like to thank everyone who has supported me throughout this journey.

My family.

My friends.

The incredible travel partners who have shared their knowledge with me.

The judges who recognised the work behind A&A Legacy Travel.

And, most importantly, every client who has trusted me to help plan one of the most important parts of their year.

Without you, none of this would have been possible.

This recognition belongs to all of us.

It's also only the beginning.

I look forward to continuing to learn, explore new destinations, strengthen relationships across the travel industry and help even more people discover the world with confidence.

Planning Your Next Holiday?

Whether you're dreaming of a luxury honeymoon, a tailor-made adventure, a relaxing family holiday or a once-in-a-lifetime escape, I'd be delighted to help you plan every detail.

At A&A Legacy Travel, every journey is designed with personal care, genuine destination knowledge and a passion for creating unforgettable travel experiences.

If you're ready to start planning your next adventure, I'd love to hear from you. Let's create something unforgettable together.

Click Enquire to begin planning a journey that goes far beyond expectation.