Globe Travel Awards 2011: The winners

January 18, 2011, 12:57

Jimmy Carr hosts the Globe Travel Awards 2011

The trade’s favourite travel companies have been honoured at a spectacular Globe Travel Awards ceremony in central London.

The Globes are the only awards voted for solely by expert travel agents, and the ceremony at the Grosvenor House hotel is widely regarded as the pinnacle of the travel industry calendar.

Tonight’s event was hosted by comedian Jimmy Carr, with entertainment provided by world champion streetdance group Flawless – courtesy of sponsor Lowcostbeds, X Factor finalist Rebecca Ferguson, courtesy of sponsor Virgin Holidays, and Radio 1 DJ Trevor Nelson, courtesy of Saint Lucia Tourist Board.

The audience was also treated to a spectacular condensed version of the musical Les Miserables, courtesy of Harlequin Hotels and Resorts’ Performing Arts Academy.

Clive Jacobs, chairman of Travel Weekly’s parent company TWgroup, said: “This was the most spectacular Globes ever, with a show befitting the biggest night in the travel calendar. After a challenging year for all of us in travel, it was even more important to honour the very best of our great industry.”

Flawless were sponsored by Lowcostbeds and Rebecca Ferguson was sponsored by Virgin Holidays. They appeared thanks to E3 Artists agency, under agent Tom O’Connell.

In pictures:Globes 2011 photo galleries
On video:Official Globes 2011 TV report

The winners

Short-haul Operators Sector

Sponsored by Hurtigruten

Best Short-haul Operator: Thomas Cook
Best Accommodation-only Provider: Superbreak
Best Ski/Activity Operator: Neilson Holidays

Long-haul Operators Sector

Sponsored by Travelport

Best Long-haul Operator (multi-destination): Kuoni
Best Long-haul Specialist Operator: Wendy Wu Tours
Best Luxury Operator: ITC Classics
Best Consolidator: Gold Medal Travel

Flying Sector

Sponsored by The Holiday Team

Best Short-haul Airline: British Airways/EasyJet
Best Long-haul Airline: Emirates
Best UK Airport: Gatwick
Best Charter Airline: Monarch Airlines

On the Move sector

Sponsored by P&O Ferries

Best Rail Operator: Eurostar
Best Coach Operator: Shearings Holidays
Best Car Rental Company: Holiday Autos

Destination Sector

Sponsored by Travelzoo

Best All-Inclusive Resort Operator: Sandals
Best Tourist Board UK Office: Tourism Australia
Best Theme Park (worldwide): Walt Disney World Resort Florida
Best Hotel Chain (worldwide): Riu

On the Water Sector

Sponsored by Amadeus

Best Ferry Company: P&O Ferries
Best Mainstream Cruise Company: Royal Caribbean International
Best Premium Cruise Company: Celebrity Cruises
Best Specialist Cruise Company, including River: Hurtigruten
Best Luxury Cruise Company: Silversea Cruises

Serving the Industry Sector

Sponsored by MSC Cruises

Best Add-ons Provider: Holiday Extras
Best Technology Provider: Amadeus
Best Insurance Provider: Holiday Extras

At Home Sector

Sponsored by Gail Kenny Recruitment

Best UK Hotel Chain: Hilton
Best UK Theme Park: Alton Towers
Best Operator UK Holidays: Superbreak

Special awards

Innovation in Travel Award

Sponsored by Cheapflights Media

Expedia.com – Expedia Hotel View
Highly commended: eWaterways

The Penny Akam Award for Unsung Heroes

Saffron Tennant, Travel Counsellors

Travel Counsellor Saffron Tennant received the 2011 accolade in recognition of her outstanding customer care during the ash cloud crisis, when she twice travelled to the continent to bring back stranded customers. The award was presented by last year’s winner, On the Beach commercial director Johnny Pollard, who said that judges had decided to honour Saffron as an example of the many within the travel industry who excelled during an unprecedented series of events.

Outstanding Achievement Award