Best travel companies announced
[January 30th 2009]
The best airlines, airport and travel insurance provider have been honoured at the Travel Weekly Globe Travel Awards.
The annual travel awards, voted for by travel agents, were presented at a glittering ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel hosted by comedian Michael McIntyre.
The top award, for innovation in travel, was taken by British Airways. BA also scooped the award for best scheduled airline to Europe. But rival Virgin Atlantic secured the best scheduled airline to US/Canada award.
Another UK based airline, Monarch, won best charter airline. MD Tim Jeans commented: “This is yet another great achievement for the team at Monarch and demonstrates the strength of the brand in the highly competitive airline market. Our core values of service and customer care mark us out as industry leaders and this award is further recognition of this.”
Most successful airline overall was Emirates as it was honoured with three top awards. It was named best scheduled airline to the Middle East/Asia, best scheduled airline to Africa, and best scheduled airline to the Pacific/New Zealand/Australia.
The only award for an airport, best regional UK airport, was secured by London Gatwick airport. “We are delighted that London Gatwick Airport’s excellent customer service has been recognised again with this award,” said London Gatwick Airport managing director Andy Flower.
In other categories, Holiday Extras was voted best travel insurance provider. Accepting the award, Holiday Extras head of insurance Andrea Clayton said: “We are thrilled to have won this travel trade award in recognition of all the hard work that the insurance team has put in during the change in FSA regulations”.
In awards voted for by consumers, Virgin Atlantic was named favourite airline, while Virgin Holidays took favourite long haul operator and Virgin Trains won best rail operator.
Favourite package holiday provider turned out to be Thomas Cook and the award for favourite European short break provider was taken by Thomas Cook Signature. Favourite cruise company was P&O Cruises, and Hilton was voted favourite hotel chain.
Written by: Nick Purdom