HotelPlanner.com, Landor Travel Publications launch American Group Travel Awards

Group hotel sales firm HotelPlanner.com is teaming up with UK based Landor Travel Publications to create the American Group Travel Awards, recognizing top companies that deliver outstanding service to groups.

The American Group Travel Awards is an extension of the long running UK Group Travel Awards and will pay tribute to the "best of the best" US companies in various categories including leisure and business hotels, cruise lines, tour operators and destinations.

Nominees and subsequent winners of each category will be judged by a panel of travel industry leaders, via online voting, and sponsor organizations including Premier Travel Media, ReviewPro and Travel Mole.

The awards night and gala dinner will be held at the renowned Hudson Theatre in the Millennium Broadway Hotel, Times Square, New York City on November 11, 2014 and hosted by former MSNBC television host and documentary film producer Dylan Ratigan.

"AGTA was created to showcase the value of the group travel segment for consumers and for the travel industry," said HotelPlanner.com CEO Tim Hentschel.

"The diverse categories of awards recognize those companies and individuals that are committed to delivering outstanding service and experiences for group travelers."

HotelPlanner.com provides a range of online services and mobile applications for the hotel sales market.

Established in 2002, it also operates Meetings.com which supplies information and booking services for meetings venues worldwide.

Award nominees will be announced in late summer 2014.

Companies interested in being considered in an award category should visit http://americangrouptravelawards.com/AGTA/register-nominees.cfm and fill out an application.

The complete list of 2014 award categories are:

•     Best Group Hotel Brand – Full Service – 4 Star Rated
•     Best Group Hotel Brand – Limited Service
•     Best Group Hotel Brand – Luxury Brand
•     Best Group Hotel Brand – Boutique Hotel Group
•     Best Leisure Group Hotel Brand
•     Best Group Hotel – Leisure Focus – Las Vegas
•     Best Group Hotel – Convention Focused – Las Vegas
•     Best Airline for Group Travel
•     Best Ocean Cruise Line for Group Travel
•     Best River Cruise Line for Group Travel
•     Best North American Rail Excursion For Group Travel
•     Best Live Stage Performance For Groups
•     Best Group Shopping Experience
•     Best Theme Park For Group Travel
•     Best Big City Destination For Group Travel
•     Best Island Destination For Group Travel
•     Best Group OTA/Tour Operator Focusing on USA Destinations
•     Best Broadway Show for Groups
•     Best Technology Award For Group Travel
•     Best State Tourism Office Supporting Group Travel
•     Best Outlet Shopping Experience
•     Best Group-Friendly Dining Experience