A Douglas travel agent has been short listed for young travel agent of the year.

Bethany Cooper, 18, travel and foreign exchange expert at Island Travel, is one of eight finalists in the under 25 category at the Travel Trade Gazette awards to be held in London later this year.

Bethany said: ’I am absolutely over the moon to be short listed for such a huge award, with us being in the Isle of Man I didn’t think I would ever be up for something that involved the UK as well so to be through to the final really does mean the world to me.

’I didn’t know I had been nominated for this award so when I found out from the TTG on the day of the announcement, I was shocked, speechless and excited, I actually couldn’t believe it.’

The TTG awards nominations are applied for by employers who feel their member of staff has shown incredible performance in all areas of their position.

Rikki Dunnage, owner of Island Travel explained how he and business partner Edward Cox ’could not be more proud’ of Bethany.

Rikki said: ’Since joining us at Island Travel, Bethany has excelled not just in her incredible sales, but on a personal level with a huge repeat customer list that will only deal with her on a one to one basis.

’Bethany’s customer service is exemplary and compliment by many five star reviews on our Facebook page. Myself and my business partner Edward could not be more proud of what an amazing asset to our team she has become.

’We didn’t actually tell Bethany we had nominated her until she found out in the TTG magazine that she was one of only eight finalists, but she really couldn’t believe it as her travel career is only two years in the making, but already up for this award means so much to her.’

The awards ceremony is held on the September 17, at the Lyceum Theatre in London which is a black tie event with an after show party at the Savoy Hotel.

Bethany added: ’I have only worked within the Travel Industry for a short period of time, so to be in the final is something I am extremely proud of and I can’t thank my bosses enough for nominating me and helping me grow.’