From blockbuster attractions and family favourites, to destinations and specialist travel trade companies, readers of Group Leisure & Travel once again delivered their verdict on what’s best for groups trips and holidays.
Over 300 guests attended the 2025 Group Leisure & Travel Awards ceremony on 26th June at the five-star Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington, London to celebrate the best in group travel and coach tourism.
The annual initiative is organised by Group Leisure & Travel magazine, which marks 30 years in 2025, and is voted for by readers who organise all sorts of day trips, short breaks and holidays for clubs, societies, local communities, friends and family.
The characters from Faulty Towers The Dining Experience added laughs to the drinks reception and after dinner a total of 20 accolades were presented with the ceremony hosted by theatre and TV star, Gary Wilmot who entertained guests with stories and song.
GTO of the Year Award®: recognising special individuals
The coveted Group Travel Organiser of the Year Award®, with a first prize of £2,500 to spend on a holiday, continues to recognise GTOs for the positive impact they have on the lives of friends, family, colleagues or the local community.
First presented in 1999, this year’s winner was Emma Durrant who created and runs The Sound Collective, a choir that has expanded into a social movement with 200 singers plus their friends and families.
It’s so popular Emma started what she calls ‘choir sub-clubs’ which includes wild swimming meets, a walking group, afternoon tea society, theatre goers, and a craft club. And of the many choir holidays and experiences she is involved in organising, it all started with singing. You can read more about Emma and the other finalists here.
The people who make the difference
The Excellence Award category is for an individual’s service to group travel organisers. This year it was won by Laura Cook, group sales senior advisor at Daish’s Holidays. Laura helps to arrange accommodation and coaching options for group organisers and their guests for Daish’s 12 UK hotels.
She said: “I feel I have formed a strong bond with a lot of our organisers over the years and I’m looking forward to continuing that bond and getting to know any new organisers that come to us.
“Most of all, I really enjoy working for Daish’s Holidays. I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without the support of my colleagues in the groups team, as well as the support I get from all of our other in-house departments, hotel staff and the directors. Working with groups has given me the opportunity to get to know the organisers on a more personal level. A lot of them I now regard as friends.”
Who was voted best for groups?
Winners announced during the ceremony included Beamish - The Living Museum of the North which scooped the Best UK Attraction award for the first time, while Leger Holidays won Best Group Tour Operator for the second year running. County Durham was named Best UK Destination, and firm West End favourite The Lion King collected the award for Best Theatre Production. Best Guided Tour went to the Coronation Street Experience, LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort bagged Best UK Attraction for Children & Families yet again, and RHS Garden Wisley was voted the Best Garden Visit.
Group Leisure & Travel publisher, Rob Yandell, said: “Our congratulations go to all of our winners and finalists, as well as everyone who works so hard in the travel trade to create memorable experiences and provide a great service for groups. Plus, the backing of our Awards Partners and the engagement with readers has once again been central to the success of this special initiative.
“Being able to bring together over 300 guests to celebrate and network has been a real privilege, and we hope everyone enjoyed another fantastic occasion in what is Group Leisure & Travel magazine’s 30th year.”
Thank you to our official 2025 Awards Partners…
For more information about the awards go to www.groupleisureandtravel.com/awards and stay updated by subscribing to our free weekly newsletter here.
