Special Report: The Globe Travel Awards 2019

More: The Globe Travel Awards 2019 website

More than 1,200 of the industry’s finest are gearing up for travel’s biggest annual celebration: the Travel Weekly Globe Travel Awards.

The event takes place at London’s Grosvenor House hotel next Thursday, January 17, and as always, will feature spectacular entertainment, glitz and glamour in addition to the industry’s most sought-after accolades.

This year’s ceremony will have special resonance as Travel Weekly celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2019, in addition to marking 10 years since becoming an independent business.

It also marks the start of a new relationship with consumer media partner Hearst UK, whose print and digital brands include Elle, Cosmopolitan, Harper’s Bazaar and Red, as well as Hearst Live events.

Stuart Parish, Travel Weekly managing director, said: “I couldn’t think of a better occasion, or a better audience, to start our celebrations with.

“There is no other event in travel quite like the Globes, and I am delighted we will be welcoming more than 1,200 guests to share and celebrate the awards.”

Lucy Huxley, editor-in-chief, added: “From the identity of our star presenter to the fantastic entertainment and spectacular after-party, the Globes is one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the year.

“But the main reason the Globes continues to be the biggest and best awards in the travel industry is the support of our agent readers, who vote in their thousands to support their favourite suppliers.”

She added: “2019 is shaping up to be an eventful year for the travel industry and beyond, so we’re looking forward to kicking things off in real style next week.”

Special awards

In addition to agent-voted awards for suppliers in a range of categories, three special awards will be given out.

The Innovation in Travel Award, sponsored by Travelport, will recognise those at the forefront of the industry who break new boundaries.

The Penny Akam Unsung Hero Award, sponsored by Afordable Car Hire and named in honour of Travel Weekly’s late Penny Akam, will recognise an individual who has gone beyond the call of duty to improve the lives of those around them.

And finally, the Outstanding Contribution to Travel Award, sponsored by Avis, celebrates an individual who has had a profound impact on the industry over an illustrious career.

The Globes supports The Children’s Trust

Like all major events hosted by Travel Weekly parent company Jacobs Media Group, the Globe Travel Awards will raise funds for a fantastic cause. This year’s chosen charity is one of five nominated by the Travel Weekly team as it aims to raise £50,000 in its 50th anniversary year.

The Children’s Trust is the UK’s leading charity for children with brain injury, and delivers rehabilitation, education and community services for children and young people and their families.

Every year more than 40,000 children in the UK are left with a brain injury as a result of an accident or illness, while thousands more are born with brain injuries or develop severe disabilities as a result of a degenerative condition.

More: Gallery: Highlights of 2018 event

The Globe Travel Awards 2019 website