Designer Travel wins three Best Workplaces in Travel awards

Upmarket homeworking agency Designer Travel took home three honours at the Best Workplaces in Travel 2025 Awards on Monday evening (July 7).

 

The awards ceremony, which recognises travel’s top employers, was held at Grant Thornton’s new London offices.

 

Twenty travel companies achieved a place on the hotlist, “a sign that despite continued economic pressure and ongoing industry change, people still matter”, said the awards organisers.

 

Designer Travel was named best large company; Access Bookings was the best mid-size company; and Luxury Coastal was the best small company.

 

Furthermore, Designer Travel took home awards in two other categories – Happiness and Performance & Recognition.

 

Founded in 2008 by Amanda Matthews and Karen Pocock, the agency has a team of more than 170 homeworkers and a travel agency in Ramsbottom.

 

Other winners in the special awards categories were Holiday Architects (Wellbeing); Travel Nation (Equity); Holiday Architects (Purpose); and USAirtours (Progression).

 

Co-founder Gail Kenny commented: “This year’s results paint a picture of resilience and commitment, despite the economic and geopolitical challenges the travel industry faces.

 

“Even where the data shows small dips, the best travel employers are using this insight to improve, not to panic. And that’s the point of Best Workplaces in Travel: real feedback, real action.”

 

The top five factors that employees say make a travel company a great place to work include: respect for work–life balance; being part of a team that works well together; positive, supporting and inspiring leaders; fair pay; valued individuals and recognition and thanks for a job well done.

 

However, the awards organisers noted “there’s work to do” as scores for feedback and progression saw the biggest year-on-year dip.

 

The rankings are built on issues that matter to employees, using values-based, individually tailored surveys. Each employer received analysis, trends and next steps “to help turn insight into impact”.

 

Workplace culture expert Jo Harley, co-founder of HR platform Korero, added: “When we look at who’s thriving, the answer is clear. The best employers are listening more, acting faster and taking people experience as seriously as customer experience.

 

“That’s how they win talent, and how they’ll keep it.”

 

Best Workplaces in Travel also showcased HR in Travel, the first membership community built for HR and people professionals in travel.  

 

Kenny said: “Our industry is full of change, but until now, HR teams haven’t had a space that truly gets them. 

 

“This community creates a safe space for members to learn, collaborate, inspire, and support each other.”

 

More: New HR in Travel networking group plans events