As ever, the Group Leisure & Travel Awards ceremony recognised the best attractions, experiences and suppliers. Who, what and where won big in 2023?
There were familiar names and surprises as the results of the 2023 Group Leisure & Travel Awards were announced, with a total of 20 winners across categories such as Best Theatre Production, Best Accommodation for Groups, Best Museum or Gallery, and Best Group Tour Operator.
Hosted by America’s Got Talent winner Paul Zerdin, guests from all corners of the sector came together on 4th October to celebrate and network at the DoubleTree by Hilton at Stadium MK, Milton Keynes.
The GLT Awards initiative, now in its 27th year, is organised by Group Leisure & Travel, Britain’s best read magazine for people who organise group trips and holidays.
Supporting Awards Partners were invited to the stage to announce the winners, as voted for by group travel organisers.
The Royal Mint Experience won the award for Best Museum or Gallery while Dunwood was voted Best Coach or Tour Operator - UK Tours for the fifth time. It was another trophy to take home for Ireland which was crowned Best International Destination, and The Lion King which was voted Best Theatre Production.
There were a number of first-time winners including Ambassador Cruise Line which picked up Best Cruise Line, Monkey World in Devon, which came out on top in the Best UK Attraction for Children & Families category, and Kynren which was voted Best Event for Groups.
The Tower of London was crowned Best Historic Attraction or Venue, while the National Memorial Arboretum was announced as the Best UK Attraction.
A firm favourite with group travel organisers, Faulty Towers The Dining Experience walked away with Best Group Dining Experience, and it was celebrations all round for the Isle of Wight team who took home the trophy for Best UK Destination.
For companies and attractions interested in supporting future awards… get in touch to find out how your support can provide amazing brand exposure and value across print, online and the ceremony itself. Telephone Sharon Yandell on 01908 613323 or send an email to sharon.y@yandellmedia.com who will be happy to help.
Mary Gotts of GOTT 2 TRAVEL won the Group Travel Organiser of the Year Award® and a £2,000 prize to spend on a holiday.
Described as an “extremely lovely lady”, Mary has been a GTO for more than 15 years and taken her members all over the world for memorable experiences, including in the UK and overseas to the likes of Italy and India. You can read more about Mary and the other GTO finalists here.
The judges praised Mary for her dedication and passion. Dave Hartle, who won the award in 2022, said: “She clearly maintains a high standard of professionalism in managing all aspects of each holiday or trip, accompanying the members and maintaining a friendly and personal connection with each individual.”
Alan Rennie, business development manager (groups) for Ambassador Cruise Line, which partnered the GTO of the Year Award® this year added: “Mary’s dedication to make sure that everything is covered ahead of time was so commendable.”
The Excellence Award, which recognises an individual in the travel trade for their service to GTOs, was presented to Daniel Pocock of Potters Resorts.
Described by group travel organisers as ‘very friendly, a great communicator, hard-working’ and somebody who provides ‘excellencet service’, Daniel received the highest number of votes of the four 2023 finalists with one GTO saying, ‘He goes the extra mile to make the stays at Potters great for everyone.’
You can find out more about Daniel, and the other Excellence Award finalists, here.
Group Leisure & Travel publisher, Rob Yandell thanked the Awards Partners for supporting the initiative.
He said: “What an amazing celebration, it was wonderful to have everybody together for the 2023 GLT Awards ceremony. We couldn’t do it without the support of our fantastic Awards Partners and I want to say a big thank you to them for their invaluable support.”
Look out for ongoing reaction and share yours
Expect more photos, video, reaction, stories and more following on from this year’s awards at www.groupleisureandtravel.com/awards and look out for the highlights in our weekly newsletter which you can subscribe to free by clicking here.
A quick look at the 2023 event that brought the group travel community together to celebrate the best attractions, experiences and suppliers, voted for by our readers.
Watch this short film that captures the excitement of the GLT Awards, and features interviews with winners and guests on a night when the best in group travel were celebrated.
Capturing the celebrations, fun and smiles from the Group Leisure & Travel Awards 2022 dinner, ceremony and after party.
Comedian and celebrity magician Pete Firman will be on-hand to entertain guests as host of the annual GLT Awards ceremony, taking place at the five-star Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington on Thursday 27th June.
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