Industry photographer Steve Dunlop has received the Outstanding Contribution Award at the Travel Weekly Globe Awards.
Dunlop, who was working at the awards on the night, accepted the award to rapturous applause.
He said: “I’m in shock. It’s the most amazing thing, extraordinary. I never expected anything like this, even when it was being read out. I only realised at the end when she said pictures followed by blonde locks.”
The Penny Akam Unsung Hero Award went to Hays Travel agent Lisa Read who helped a dying mum raise funds for her children.
Single mum Sam Kyme, 34, was diagnosed with aggressive motor neurone disease in April and died just before Christmas.
Her dying wish was to raise enough money to cover legal and guardianship fees to ensure her boys Joey, 12, and Harry, eight, can live with her sister Pippa and her family in Australia.
After reading about the story, Hays personal travel consultant Read decided to try to raise enough to cover the cost of the boys’ flights to Australia, asking colleagues and head office staff at Hays Travel to donate to the cause.
Within four weeks Hays Travel had raised £2,150, and Lisa has pledged to book the boys’ flight tickets when the time comes.
Read said: I had no idea I was getting this award. All I was thinking was that I wanted to help this family as much as I could. I want to continue to help them, they need help- they have not got their mum.”
She also urged guests at the Globes to donate more
The Innovation Award this year went to Zen3. CTO James Lever, said: “It’s a fantastic honour. This is great for us from an exposure perspective that the industry and Travelport have recognised us.”
The winners
Penny Akam Unsung Hero Award, sponsored by Affordable Car Hire:
Lisa Read, Hays Travel
Innovation in Travel Award, sponsored by Travelport:
Zen3
Outstanding Contribution Award, sponsored by Avis:
Steve Dunlop
Consumer awards, sponsored by Mail Brands UK
Favourite Airline: British Airways
Favourite Hotel Chain: Hilton Hotels
Favourite Online Booking Platform: Booking.com
Favourite Ocean Cruise Company: P&O Cruises
Favourite Escorted Tour Operator: Kuoni
Favourite Short-Haul Operator: Jet2holidays
Favourite Ferry Company: P&O Ferries
Favourite UK Operator: Center Parcs
Favourite River Cruise Company: Viking River Cruises
Favourite Long-Haul Operator: British Airways Holidays
On the Water, sponsored by Traveltek
Best Ferry Company: P&O Ferries
Best Mainstream Cruise Company: Royal Caribbean International
Best Premium Cruise Company: Celebrity Cruises
Best Specialist Cruise Company: Azamara Club Cruises
Best River Cruise Company: Uniworld
Best Luxury Cruise Company: Silversea
Destination sector, sponsored by Travelzoo
Best Tourist Board: Visit California
Best All-Inclusive Resort Operator: Sandals
Best Hotel Chain (worldwide): Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts
Best Attraction (worldwide): Walt Disney World Resort
On the Move, sponsored by P&O Ferries
Best Rail Company: Great Rail Journeys
Best Mainstream Touring Company: Trafalgar
Best Premium Touring Service: Insight Vacations
Best Car Rental Company: Flexible Autos
Best Adventure Operator: G Adventures
Flying, sponsored by The Holiday Team
Best Short-Haul Airline: Jet2.com
Best Long-Haul Airline: Emirates
Best UK Airport: Manchester Airport
Best Premium Airline Service: Emirates
Long-haul, sponsored by Air Travel Guide
Best Long-Haul Operator (multi-destination): Gold Medal
Best Long-Haul Specialist Operator: Wendy Wu Tours
Best Luxury Operator: Kuoni
Best Consolidator: Gold Medal
Short-haul, sponsored by Hurtigruten
Best Short-Haul Operator: Jet2holidays
Best Operator for Activities: Inghams
Best Accommodation-Only Provider: Super Break
Best Operator UK Holidays: Super Break
Serving the industry, sponsored by HolidayPirates
Best Add-Ons Provider: Attraction World
Best Technology Provider: Amadeus
Best Insurance Provider: Holiday Extras
Best Trade Sales Team: Attraction World
Best Trade-Friendly Brand: Jet2holidays