Since 1999, this special award has continued to recognise how GTOs bring people together to enjoy amazing experiences. With a first prize of £3,000 to spend on a holiday, it celebrates those who make a positive difference to the lives of friends, family, colleagues and their local communities.
The winner of the 2026 award is…Sue Povey, Out and About with Sue
Congratulations to the other finalists who were:
- Becky Chikaura, Ms Bee Group Travel
- Carol Gower, CBA Millenium Outings
- Jane Minshull, Sandbach Friends on Tour
You can find out more about each finalist, and their group, in our special feature here.
The winner was announced at the Group Leisure & Travel Awards ceremony at the five-star Royal Lancaster Hotel on Friday 12th June.
About the award
The GTO of the Year Award® is a special part of the annual Group Leisure & Travel Awards initiative.
Launched in 1998 and first awarded in 1999, this annual award now comes with a £3,000 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.
But 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.
Who can win the award?
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.
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.
The GTO of the Year Award® 2026 is partnered by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
As a family-run cruise line, Fred. Olsen really takes your experience personally. While the rest of the cruise industry has gone for bigger ships, Fred. Olsen has always believed that smaller is better. They have fewer guests on board so the service is personal and the atmosphere is warm and civilised.
The dedicated groups team is on hand to help you plan your cruise. Plus, your party can enjoy a choice of added value benefits.
With Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, you can sail from regional UK ports with itineraries available from Rosyth (Edinburgh), Newcastle, Liverpool and Southampton.
The winner of the 2025 award was…
Emma Durrant of The Sound Collective impressed the judges the most but as usual, it was a tough decision for the judges and we were so lucky to have four brilliant finalists. The other finalists for 2025 were:
- Jackie Ames, Unity 70 Travel & Leisure
- Carol Dixson-Smith, Sawbridgeworth U3A
- Ray Spiller, Broomfield Coach Trips
You can read more about the 2025 GTO of the Year® winner and finalists in our special feature by clicking here.
Should you have questions about the Group Travel Organiser of the Year Award®, or need help, you can 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.
