Silver Travel Advisor unveils shortlist for exceptional achievement award

The shortlist for this year's Silver Travel Advisor exceptional achievement award has been announced.

The award recognises outstanding contributions made to travel for the over 50s and will be presented to the winner at the Silver Travel Awards ceremony at London's Madame Tussauds on June 8.

The shortlist is:

Jo Rzymowska, managing director, Celebrity Cruises UK, Ireland and APAC Mike Collins, managing director, Tropical Sky David Clemson, managing director, Riviera Travel Wendy Atkin-Smith, managing director, Viking Cruises Francis Torrilla, managing director, specialist businesses at Kuoni UK

Travel Weekly news editor, Amie Keeley, is on the panel of judges which will decide who takes home the accolade. Other judges include:

John McEwan, former President of Abta Mark Palmer, travel editor, Daily Mail Derek Moore, chairman of Aito Maria Whiteman, managing director of Saga Holidays Caroline Brown, commercial director of Shearings Andrew Williams, managing director of Solos Holidays Lyn Hughes, Editor of Wanderlust Magazine Ben Briggs, head of marketing, Wendy Wu Tours

Debbie Marshall, managing director of Silver Travel Advisor, said: "The exceptional achievement award shortlist is long on industry big-hitters.

"Each of them has demonstrated a real understanding of the needs and aspirations of older travellers over their impressive and ongoing careers – and has put that understanding to great use.

"These are the people who are making great holidays happen for the over 50s every day – and it's great to be able to shine a light on their success, applaud their contribution to the industry and recognise the difference they have made for so many mature travellers.”

More than 25,000 votes by members of the public have been cast for the other 17 categories in the awards.

Voting for the Silver Travel Awards closes on April 30