(Seychelles News Agency) - A Seychelles destination management company Creole Travel Services (CTS) has won the 2013 Kuoni UK agent award, beating DMCs in 52 other destinations around the world.

The award was based on a Kuoni survey which said CTS clients registered 96% customer satisfaction.

CTS staff member Garry Charles also won Kuoni’s best representative award, prompting the company’s general manager Guillaume Albert to say that the feats were 'a clean sweep' for the largely tourism-dependent Indian Ocean archipelago nation.

He noted CTS received an award of recognition in 2012 for being ranked among the top five DMCs.

Kuoni – represented in Seychelles by CTS -- is one of the world’s most reputable travel and tour operators, and has itself won numerous prizes since its inception in 1906. In 2012,for example,

In 2012 Kuoni was named “World’s Leading Tour Operator” at the annual World Travel Awards for the thirteenth time in 15 years.

Kuoni’s awards to its agents are decided entirely on the basis of a questionnaire filled by global company’s clients when they leave a country at the end of their holiday. The result therefore depends 100% on the clients’ feedback.

CTS chairman Joseph Albert said, “It is with a true sense of pride that we accept this very special distinction. The merit goes to the management and team of our company who have believed that we could meet worldwide standards through our products and services.

A CTS catamaran. It's frangipani flower brand is well-known in the Seychelles (Creole Travel Services) Photo license: CC-BY-NC

“This is the result of an inspiring team effort where all players have excelled in their respective field of work – from our airport hosts, to the drivers, guides and representatives. This award is a tribute to all the hard working Seychellois within our industry and shows that we can all reach high grounds and accomplish wonders through commitment and passion for our line of work.”

“We believe this award contributes at reinforcing the positioning of Seychelles as a preferred holiday destination,” he added.

Seychelles tourism and culture minister Alain St. Ange said the awards were proof of the hard work the company is doing and showed it is devoted to move Seychelles forward.

“This is a joyful occasion not only for your company but for the country. And today you are setting an example for others to follow. I really want to congratulate all the staff for their devotion and hope that you continue on the same path.”

Creole Travel Services is part of the CTS group, which  has three primary business activities; tour operator, hotel management and ownership of fast ferry services. Creole Travel Services is one of the largest destination management companies in the Seychelles with 290 staff of which 98 per cent are Seychellois nationality, a fleet of 110 vehicles, and 12 boats.

It owns Cat Cocos – Inter Island Boats Ltd, whihc is the largest fast ferry fervices between the three main islands boasting three modern vessel with a capacity up to 472 seats incl. open air and business class decks.

The groups owns 2 boutique hotels: ‘Le Domaine de l’Orangeraie’ on the island of La Digue and ‘Domaine de la Reserve’ on the island of Praslin.