The Group Leisure & Travel Awards will be even bigger and better in 2026 as organisers confirm that the annual dinner and ceremony will move to the five-star Royal Lancaster Hotel, London for the first time.
The date for your diary is Friday 12th June 2026, when the best attractions, destinations, experiences and suppliers for group travel will be recognised in front of a packed audience of finalists, readers, travel trade professionals and special guests.
Known for its five-star luxury and central location overlooking Hyde Park, the Royal Lancaster is one of London’s most iconic hotels and will provide a fitting setting for what has become the most anticipated event in the group travel calendar.
Publisher of Group Leisure & Travel, Rob Yandell, said: “After the incredible success of the 2025 awards and a sell-out dinner, it’s clear that we need a bigger venue to match the event’s growth and ambition. The Royal Lancaster London is going to be a fantastic home for the awards in 2026 – it offers outstanding hospitality and a touch of glamour, which will help ensure guests, finalists and partners have a first-class experience.”
The awards are voted for by readers of Group Leisure & Travel and give group travel organisers the chance to recognise and reward the people and places that help create memorable group trips and holidays.
Categories include Best UK Attraction, Best Group Tour Operator, Best Event or Live Experience, and Best Theatre Production, among others, with past winners ranging from world-famous landmarks to lesser-known gems across the country.
The 2025 awards took place at the Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington where over 300 guests gathered from across the industry, with record numbers of votes and a celebration that was praised for its entertainment and energy.
Nominations will open for the 2026 awards in the autumn of this year, as will entries and nominations for the coveted Group Travel Organiser of the Year Award®, which this year was won by Emma Durrant of The Sound Collective. You can read about Emma and the other 2025 finalists here.
As always the support from the Awards Partners has been central to the success of the annual initiative and 2026 packages are already being snapped up. For companies, attractions and suppliers interested in becoming an Awards Partner click here or telephone Lisa Milton on 01908 613323 or email lisa.m@yandellmedia.com.
Stay up to date with the awards news and announcements by subscribing to the free ‘Weekly Spotlight’ newsletter from Group Leisure & Travel, which includes what’s new for groups and the editor’s pick of the best content and ideas.
Click to groupleisureandtravel.com/newsletter.
