From LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort’s third consecutive win to County Durham’s back-to-back success as Best UK Destination, the 2026 Group Leisure & Travel Awards celebrated the attractions, destinations and individuals creating exceptional experiences for group organisers across the UK and beyond.
More than 300 guests gathered on Friday 12th June at the five-star Royal Lancaster Hotel in London for the 2026 Group Leisure & Travel Awards, to recognise excellence within group travel and coach tourism.
The annual awards, organised by Group Leisure & Travel magazine, are voted for by group travel organisers and coach tour operators who arrange a wide variety of day trips, short breaks and holidays for clubs, societies, local communities, as well as friends and family.
Entertainment was in full swing, with the cast of Faulty Towers The Dining Experience bringing plenty of laughs to the drinks reception. After dinner, 21 awards were presented during a lively ceremony hosted by West End star and comedian Luke Kempner, who delighted guests with his spot-on impressions.
GTO of the Year Award®: making a difference
The prestigious Group Travel Organiser of the Year Award®, now with an increased first prize of £3,000 to spend on a holiday, continues to honour the remarkable contribution GTOs make in enriching the lives of those around them, providing a lifeline for those who need it and an array of memorable experiences.
First presented in 1999, this year’s winner was Sue Povey who has a group aptly called Out and About With Sue. She describes being a group organiser as a “lifetime hobby”, her passion and commitment demonstrated by the fact that she even set up a new group after relocating.
Sue arranges everything from theatre visits and walking holidays to coach days out and overseas visits. Some of the places the group has visited in recent years include the Peak District, the Brecon Beacons, Austria and Italy.
You can read more about Sue and the other 2026 finalists here.
The Excellence Award: going the extra mile
The Excellence Award category is for an individual’s service to group travel organisers. This year it was won by Anthony McGinley, client engagement and sales specialist at ATG Group Sales.
Anthony works closely with group travel organisers and coach tour operators to book group theatre tickets and to ensure their trips run as smoothly and efficiently as possible from a ticketing perspective.
The bonds Anthony has built with his clients are something he takes immense pride in. He said: “They’re what make my job truly worth it. Above all, it’s my responsibility to make sure all our clients feel safe, supported, and cared for when booking tickets and visiting our incredible venues, delivering a seamless experience they can trust every time.”
The magic of theatre, the stories, the atmosphere, the shared emotion, is what inspires Anthony the most and his role is all about bringing those moments to all types of groups and providing exceptional service to GTOs and coach tour operators.
An award for an outstanding contribution
There was a special addition to proceedings with a rare award presented to Tony Lincoln for his Outstanding Contribution to Group Travel. Celebrating 50 years in travel, tourism and hospitality, Tony’s career CV includes European sales & marketing director at Planet Hollywood, head of commercial for the trade at Disneyland Paris and most recently, group sales consultant for Cirque du Soleil.
Who was voted best for groups?
Winners announced during the ceremony included ABBA Voyage which scooped the Best Event or Live Experience award for the first time while LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort won the award for Best Attraction for Children & Families for the third year in a row.
County Durham was named Best UK Destination for the second year in a row while Riviera Travel was voted Best Group Tour Operator for the third time. Best Theatre Production went to Paddington The Musical while Christmas came early for the team at Thursford which was once again named Best Christmas Experience. It was Italy’s turn to scoop Best International Destination, and The National Gallery picked up its first GLT Award for Best Museum or Gallery.
Group Leisure & Travel publisher, Rob Yandell, said: “Our warmest congratulations go to all of this year’s winners and finalists, and to everyone across the travel trade whose dedication continues to create exceptional experiences and outstanding service for groups. The continued support of our Awards Partners, along with the enthusiasm and engagement of our readers, has once again played a vital role in the success of these awards.
“Bringing together more than 300 guests to celebrate achievements and connect with colleagues has been a true pleasure, and we hope everyone enjoyed another memorable occasion.”
Not possible without the support of Awards Partners
The 2026 Awards Partners included some of the most popular suppliers and brands in group travel, including DFDS, Ambassador Cruise Line and The Royal Mint. Tracy Bayliss, head of trade sales at LeShuttle, which won Best Ferry or Fixed Link Operator, said the GLT Awards “are a key platform to recognise excellence across the industry and celebrate our partners.”
She added: “Supporting them reflects our commitment to the continued growth of the group travel sector. It also provides a great opportunity to strengthen relationships and increase visibility.”
A special thank you to our 2026 Awards Partners…
For more information about the awards go to www.groupleisureandtravel.com/awards.
