This ITEC - Information Technology Electronics & Communication - award was presented at a Gala Dinner last night at the Café Royal, following a showcase and conference at the Department of Trade & Industry during the day.

This is the first time a travel company has won the award.

The business's proposer for the prestigious award stated “to my knowledge this approach – which enables properties to be loaded once and to reach many distributors - has not previously been used in this industry. The company deserves this special award for having the courage, energy and application to transform an innovative idea into a viable and working business model”.

Accepting the award Kathryn said “Naturally I am delighted that we have been recognised for the creation of a technology-based business which is innovative and is also proving very popular customers, suppliers and business clients.”

Villas for Travel now has three industry partners carrying its villa services under a “white label” arrangement – www.go-nowvillas.com, www.lowcostvillarentals.com and www.villarentalsabroad.com, with the announcement of several more partners due shortly.

Kathryn continued “As ever with a new business start-up we’ve had our fill of challenges during the past two years. But this award, and our growing sales to both the travel trade and other organisations demonstrate that innovation and persistence can make very successful bedfellows”.