Shortlists have been unveiled for the inaugural Silver Travel Awards, which will honour suppliers and destinations that best serve the over-50s market.
The awards consist of 13 categories, which have been voted for by consumers. They will be presented at an event at the Natural History Museum on June 4.
Debbie Marshall, managing director of Silver Travel Advisor, which is organising the awards, said: “The over-50s are going farther, travelling more frequently, investing more in their leisure time and enjoying life more than probably any other generation before them.
“The awards have been voted by the over-50s and for the over-50s. They are a tribute to the companies, individuals and destinations who have recognised needs and wishes of the older traveller and who have taken steps to make their travels and holidays even more enjoyable.”
In addition to 13 categories which have been voted for by consumers, an additional award for Exceptional Achievement in the over-50s sector will be decided by a panel of travel industry judges.
The shortlist for the main awards is:
Best Cruise Line
Cunard, P&O Cruises, Fred Olsen, Celebrity Cruises, MSC Cruises
Best Tour Operator
Saga, Cox & Kings, Voyages Jules Verne, Thomson, Thomas Cook
Best Limited Mobility Provider
MSC Cruises, Saga, P&O Cruises, Cunard, Warner Leisure Hotels
Best UK Town
Bath, York, Bournemouth, London, Edinburgh
Best Hotel Group
Ritz Carlton, Premier Inn, Holiday Inn, Warner Leisure Hotels, Hilton Hotels & Resorts
Best B&B
Hassness Country House (Ramblers Holidays, Lake District), The Briars (Paignton, Devon), Prospect House (Whitby, Yorkshire), Number 30 (Bewdley, Worcestershire), Tregenna (Pembroke, Pembrokeshire)
Best Self-Catering
Butlins, Haven, Pontins, Center Parcs, Cottages4You
Best UK Attraction
London Eye, Alton Towers, Legoland, Beamish Museum (Co. Durham), Tower of London
Best Airline
Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, Emirates, easyJet, Singapore Airlines
Best Car Rental
Avis, Enterprise, Europcar, Alamo, Hertz
Best Coach Operator
Leger Holidays, Edwards Coaches, Woods Coaches, Shearings, National Express
Best Rail Holiday Provider
Rail Discovery, Railbookers, Steam Dreams, Great Rail Journeys, Eurostar
Best Overseas Destination
Australia, New Zealand, Barbados, Italy, USA
The candidates for the Exceptional Achievement Award are:
Paul Bennett, founder and managing director of Grand UK; Alex Roberts, marketing director of Great Rail Journeys; Andy Cochrane, founder and managing director of Noble Caledonia and Paddy Brice, managing director of Richmond Villages and Richmond Retreats.
The Silver Travel Awards are supported by headline sponsor Imagine Cruising and gold sponsor The National Trust, in addition to the Israel Government Tourist Office, Solos Holidays, Shearings Holidays, Warner Leisure Hotels, Quingo and My InterRail. Travel Weekly is the official trade media partner.
For more information, click here.