The 2021 Group Leisure & Travel Awards ceremony was created through a special online broadcast to celebrate the top attractions, tour operators and experiences as voted for by group travel organisers.
The 2021 ceremony was hosted by Julie Peasgood, best known for her work as accomplished actress and TV presenter, as well as being an award-winning author, travel writer and columnist.
After a welcome from GLT publisher, Rob Yandell, Julie hosted the ceremony which was broadcast via the Awards website on 28th October with on-demand replays now available, including chapter jumps so you can get to the segments you want to watch easily. Trophies and certificates were sent to winners and finalists to help them celebrate their achievements.
Julie said: “It’s been wonderful to be able to celebrate this superb industry and the people who work in it. Huge congratulations to everyone. Here’s to a new, much more positive period where we move forward and you can once again enjoy your group trips and holidays.”
The annual initiative, now in its 25th year, is organised by Group Leisure & Travel, the UK’s leading monthly magazine for people who organise group trips and holidays. A total of 18 awards were announced, including Best UK Attraction and Best Guided Tour.
LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort retained the title of the Best UK Attraction for Children & Families for the fifth year in a row, while Blenheim Palace collected the Best Christmas Experience award.
Leeds Castle scooped the title of Best Historic Attraction or Venue, while The Lion King was voted Best Theatre Production.
Attractions and providers from York had cause for celebration with the city revealed as the Best UK Destination for groups.
Individuals were highlighted for their service through The Excellence Award, which was won by Sandy Cornish of Tailored Travel. Reacting to the news, Sandy said: “I’m just absolutely delighted. I feel quite embarrassed quite honestly because I know everybody who was nominated – or not nominated – is fantastic.
“I have a great team and I work for a great company. I’m so grateful. Thank you to everybody who voted.”
Meanwhile, the coveted Group Travel Organiser of the Year Award® was presented to Elizabeth Hodgson, who is group organiser for Barnet U3A.
Reacting to the news that she had won, Elizabeth said: “I feel very humble. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed what I’ve done. The main thing is I’ve given a lot of people a lot of pleasure and will continue to do so, and that is a big reward.”
“You’ve made my day, you’ve made my week, you’ve made my year.”
Elizabeth Hodgson, Barnet U3A and GTO of the Year 2021
Group Leisure & Travel publisher, Rob Yandell thanked the Awards Partners for supporting the initiative. He said: “Bringing the group travel community together and keeping you informed and entertained is exactly the reason why we do what we do, and we recognise great people, excellent service and wonderful venues with our unique Awards.”
The 2022 Awards…
For companies and attractions interested in supporting the 2022 awards, find out what is involved and how you can become an official partner.
Send an email to Sharon Yandell at sharon.y@yandellmedia.com who will be happy to help.
For more information about the 2021 awards, visit www.groupleisureandtravel.com/awards
A round-up of some of the great photos sent in from your 2021 winners, who have proudly shown off their trophies and certificates in front of historical landmarks, beautiful gardens, and even in the hands of a West End star. Congratulations to everyone… an award for best trophy photo next year?
We’re thrilled to be able to announce the winners of the 2021 Group Leisure & Travel Awards, an initiative which shines a spotlight on the best destinations, attractions and people as voted for and nominated by you.
The ceremony was first broadcast on Wednesday 7th October 2020 but you can now watch replays at a time that suits you. Useful help: To switch on subtitles simply click the CC option at the bottom right of the video player tools. You ...
Sue Shapland, Exmoor Extroverts, won the Group Travel Organiser of the Year Award® in 2019. She used her £2,000 prize money for a six-day Classical Greek cruise with Variety Cruises.
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