This unique annual award, with a £2,000 first prize, continues to recognise group travel organisers for the positive impact they have on the lives of friends, family, colleagues or the local community.
First presented in 1999, the GTO of the Year Award® comes with a first prize of £2,000 to spend on a familiarisation holiday and is a great way of highlighting how GTOs bring people together to enjoy amazing experiences.
We’re asking GTOs to put themselves forward, and for anyone to nominate a group travel organiser they feel deserves thanks and recognition for what they do.
People who organise group trips and holidays can enter themselves into the competition, whether it’s your hobby or full-time job. We also accept nominations from group members and encourage travel trade suppliers to put forward the great group travel organisers they work with.
We always love hearing about the GTOs who have made a real difference to others.
The GTO of the Year Award® is part of the annual Group Leisure & Travel Awards initiative.
Launched in 1998 and first awarded in 1999, this annual award now comes with a £2,000 first prize for the winner to spend on a holiday to remember. Previous winners have chosen to visit destinations including Austria, Italy and Turkey.
Over the years, all sorts of organisers have been recognised from a range of different groups and backgrounds. What they have all had in common is their ability and willingness to create fun and enjoyable opportunities for other people – many of whom would not have been able to enjoy such experiences otherwise.
Every year, GTOs are able to enter the award or be nominated by someone. The Group Leisure & Travel team then find out more about them through a questionnaire and, if required, a phone call. A shortlist of four finalists is then decided who are then put in front of a panel of experts, which are normally made up of experienced travel trade professionals and group travel organisers, alongside the senior staff at GLT.
Ambassador sails for the British market from London Tilbury with a focus on premium-value. Its first ship, Ambience, set sail from Tilbury in April 2022 on an ex-UK no-fly range of voyages. Ambassador’s second ship, Ambition, entered service in May 2023, carrying 1,200 guests in 714 cabins, with ten guest decks. She will operate itineraries from London Tilbury as well as cruises from six UK regional departure ports, including Newcastle, Dundee, Liverpool, Belfast, Bristol and Falmouth.
Also, a big well done to the finalists for being recognised for their outstanding service to their groups. They were:
You can read about our winner Mary and our other brilliant 2023 finalists here.
Should you have questions about the award, or need help contact the team at Group Leisure & Travel on 01908 613323 or send an email to awards@groupleisureandtravel.com.
For more information about the Group Leisure & Travel Awards click here.
Who was voted best for group trips and holidays? Who made the shortlist in each category? The Group Leisure & Travel Awards 2023 reveals the views and opinions of the people that keep the group travel industry moving… our readers.
We’re thrilled to be able to share the 2022 Group Leisure & Travel Awards winners, an initiative which shines a spotlight on the best destinations, attractions and people as voted for and nominated by you.
Faye Brant-Key at Staffordshire’s National Memorial Arboretum on working with a variety of groups, the different seasons and 2024 events.
The 2024 Group Leisure & Travel Awards ceremony is moving to a five-star venue in London and at a different time of year.
