Group Leisure & Travel magazine has clarified the position on the GTO of the Year Award arrangements this year. This follows some talk of a proposed alternative which was recently circulated to the market.
Editor Keeley Rodgers said: “We just wanted to make it clear that the bona-fide, exclusive, long established and highly regarded Group Travel Organiser of the Year Award will be taking place as usual at the Group Leisure & Travel Awards dinner on Wednesday, 10th October in Birmingham. We don’t want anyone confused or misled, hence the clarification.
“The GTO of the Year Award has been the pinnacle event at our Awards dinner for 20 years, so I am sure GTOs and our commercial partners will be able to recognise any pale imitations. As Oscar Wilde said - imitation is the sincerest form of flattery!”
The annual award has been recognising and rewarding special people since 1999 and continues to be the biggest accolade for GTOs. It puts great organisers on a pedestal and in 2017 was awarded to Marian Durbidge of the Herts Theatre Club and Go Together Travel Club.
The award, which comes with an amazing first prize of £2,000 to spend on a familiarisation holiday, is designed to recognise people who continually deliver enjoyable days out and holidays and make a difference to the lives of colleagues, friends or the community.
On receiving the 2017 award, Marian, who has been organising trips for about 24 years, said: “This is the best award I’ve had. It’s an amazing achievement and I didn’t expect it at all. I love what I do and it’s great to be recognised for it..”
Marian has taken her group to various destinations over the years including Yorkshire, Cumbria and Northumbria. Further afield there have been tours to Switzerland, Austria, Sardinia and Italy to name just a few.
Established in 1998 and first presented in 1999, the GTO of the Year Award is one of a number of accolades presented at the Group Leisure & Travel Awards.
Taking place each October, the GLT Awards recognise the best destinations, attractions and providers in the group travel industry, as voted for by active group travel organisers from sports and social clubs, retired associations, special interest societies and other groups.
GTO of the Year Award 2018
The 2018 Group Leisure & Travel Awards launches this month. More information about how to enter or nominate someone for the GTO of the Year will be released in due course.
For details about the GTO of the Year Award call 01908 613323 or e-mail awards@groupleisureandtravel.com.
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