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
- Roger Allard
Consumer Awards Sponsored by Mail Newspapers
Cruise and airline awards sponsored by The Daily Mail
- Favourite Cruise Company: P&O Cruises
- Favourite Airline: British Airways
Rail and hotel awards sponsored by The Mail On Sunday
- Best Rail Operator: Orient-Express
- Favourite Hotel Chain: Hilton
Online award sponsored by Mail Online
- Favourite Online Booking Website: Expedia.com
European short breaks awards sponsored by Teletext Holidays
- Favourite European Short Break Provider: Superbreak
Long haul award sponsosred by TravelMail
- Favourite Long Haul Operator: Kuoni