At a gala event in Istanbul, Avis Car Rental Ireland was named Licensee of the Year in the 2014 Avis Car Rental Licensee Awards for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

Operating in Ireland and Northern Ireland by an independently-owned licensee, Avis has several airport locations, including Dublin Airport, Cork Airport and Shannon Airport, as well as downtown locations in Dublin and Galway.

"Avis Ireland has excelled in a challenging and highly competitive market," said Larry De Shon, president, EMEA, Avis Budget Group. "Demonstrating strong growth in rentals, revenue and market share, they have also made significant steps forward in customer service and individual location branding."

The judging panel was impressed with Avis Ireland's strong alignment with Avis Car Rental global initiatives and focus upon customer satisfaction, says the company. Additionally, judges commended the team's integration of Avis Northern Ireland operations.

Avis Turkey and Avis South Africa were both recognized for their achievement in the areas of growth and excellence in customer service.

The annual Licensee Awards recognize licensee partners that have demonstrated growth in annual financial performance, measured against their local country economic conditions. Additionally, the judging panel also looked at customer service performance and delivery of strategic initiatives.