The Excellence Award: vote for your travel trade superstar

Presented at the Group Leisure & Travel Awards ceremony, previous winners have included individuals who have worked for tour operators, attractions, cruise lines and more.

Each year the individuals in contention for this special award make such a difference when it comes to your experience, whether it’s ensuring that the booking process is as smooth as possible or creating a memorable trip for your members, with those extra special touches to make it the best it can be.

Introducing your 2025 Excellence Award finalists… 

• Laura Cook, group sales senior advisor, Daish’s Holidays
• Kelly Kennedy, group sales executive, Alfa Travel
• Christine Oakes, customer service administrator, Kynren
• Amiee Thomas, sales manager, Longleat

You can read more about each of the finalists and why they love working with groups by clicking the button below - don’t forget to vote for your winner!

2025 finalist Profiles and Voting link

As a GTO you want to be in safe hands, knowing that everything has been thought through and the whole journey, from the initial booking enquiry all the way through to the experience itself, runs smoothly.

But it’s often when the unexpected happens on a trip that an individual comes into their own, offering the right level of help and support to deal with any challenges.

The winner of the 2024 award was… Charlotte Howle of Chester Zoo

Also, a big well done to the other 2024 finalists who were: 

• Marcia Clement of RHS
• Hayley Walker of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
• Flo Wallace of Visit Wiltshire/Great West Way®

You can read about each of our finalists, what they do and what they love most about their role in our special feature here.