Austin-Lehman Adventures Named Top Tour Company of the Year

NEW YORK - June 14, 2013 - PRLog -- NEW YORK, NY,  – The New York Travel Writers Society (NYTWS) recently announced the 2013 Travel Industry Award Winners and Austin-Lehman Adventures (http://www.austinlehman.com/) was recognized as the Top Tour Company in the World.  

The society joins a long and prestigious list of media recognizing the Billings, MT-based adventure travel (http://www.austinlehman.com/) company as an industry leader.  Recent awards and accolades have included Travel + Leisure Magazine’s World’s Best Tour Operator award for four years running (#1 overall in 2009 and #1 in Family Travel in 2012), Condé Nast Traveler’s Top Travel Specialist for Peru in 2012 (For Costa Rica in 2009), Outside Magazine’s Hall of Fame Award, National Geographic Traveler’s 50 Tours of a Lifetime (multiple times), and others (see: http://www.austinlehman.com/about-us/adventure-travel-companies-pages-71.php).  

In 2011 the company was also honored with Travel + Leisure Magazine’s Global Vision Award (http://www.wocinternational.org/global-vision-award/) for its Wheels of Change (http://www.wocinternational.org/) bicycle empowerment initiative that brings donated bicycles, parts and sustainable business development to rural communities in Africa.

“In the midst of our best year ever in terms of bookings and revenue, this NYTWS honor provides a much appreciated feather in our cap,” said Dan Austin, founder and director of Austin-Lehman Adventures. “Coming from professionals whose business it is to evaluate and write honestly about travel makes this award all that much more satisfying.”

In Austin’s summation, “We must be doing something right!” He goes on to explain, “Our focus is solely on our guests and the experience, not on competing for these awards. However, they are confirmation that we are continuing down the right path. Putting our customers and values first as we continue to grow and expand our offerings is mission number one.”

Sofia Braganza, Chairperson of NYTWS notes, "Our industry winners include well-known broadcasters like Darley Newman, television host and producer of "Equitrekking", as well as highly respected travel companies such as Trafalgar Tours, Austin-Lehman Adventures (http://www.austinlehman.com/) and Holland America Line."

NYTWS 2013 Award Winners include some of the most respected brands in travel: Cruise Line of the Year, Holland America Line; Hotel of the Year, Mandarin Boutique Hotel; Spa of the Year, The Lodge at Woodloch; Tour Company of the Year, Austin-Lehman Adventures; Luxury Tour Company of the Year, Trafalgar; Travel Magazine of the Year; Hemispheres; Culinary Magazine of the Year, BON APPETIT; Travel Television Program of the Year, Equitrekking (with Darley Newman); Travel Podcast of the Year, Travel with Rick Steves;  Airline of the Year; Swiss International Air Lines, and others.

The New York Travel Writers Society awards will be presented to the winners at the Holiday Gala and Awards ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013 in New York City.

About The New York Travel Writers Society

Based in New York City, the New York Travel Writers Society, http://NYTWS.org, is an international association of over 850 media professionals who focus on travel and travel journalism.  Members include journalists, authors, editors, photographers and broadcasters. We also welcome members of travel related businesses such as tourism and tour companies, hotels, restaurants, and transportation companies.

About Austin-Lehman Adventures

With a 40-year legacy, ALA provides adventure vacations on six continents building an international reputation for small group active travel to destinations in The Americas, Europe, Africa and (new for 2013) Antarctica. The company specializes in adult and family multi-sport, hiking, and biking vacations that emphasize history, culture and nature’s gifts.  Small group trips feature exceptional regional dining, distinctive accommodations and all-inclusive rates and services. In addition to scheduled group departures, ALA offers customized trip planning and a money-back satisfaction guarantee.

For a comprehensive 2013 catalog, call toll-free 1.800.575.1540, or e-mail info@austinlehman.com. To review current trips, schedules and itineraries log onto: http://www.austinlehman.com/.  

Contact Widness & Wiggins PR for photos, interviews and more information:

Sara Widness / 802-234-6704 / sara@widnesspr.com

Dave Wiggins / 303-554-8821 / dave@travelnewssource.com

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