After over two decades, Lorraine Barnes Burton is passing on The British Travel Awards baton. The recent BTA event was her final one. In 2001, she co-founded the British Travel Awards, while in 2008, the BTAs underwent a significant transformation, becoming a fully consumer-voted awards programme. Writing the BTA brochure she said: “Partnering with Deloitte LLP, we developed rigorous verification systems to uphold the BTAs’ reputation for integrity and transparency. Over the years, Kevin Savage, my right hand, has continually refined these systems, integrating new technologies to ensure the BTAs’ ongoing credibility.” “I’d like to publicly acknowledge his invaluable contributions to the BTAs’ success.” “In 2009, I welcomed Chris Photi and Roger Allard as new business partners. We grew the BTAs into the UK’s largest consumer-voted awards programme. Facing everything from economic downturns and natural disasters to the Covid-19 pandemic, we continued to evolve and adapt, staying committed to recognising excellence in travel.” In January 2020, she sold the BTAs to Esmond Wilson and his partners and remained to support their leadership transition. “Four years on, I am excited to see Esmond and his team bring new energy to the BTAs, guiding it through its next phase. Now, I am ready to step back, leaving this legacy in the hands of capable new leaders.” Thank you all for your support, dedication, and friendship. It has been a privilege to be part of this journey with you.”  

The travel industry’s movers and shakers gathered last night, 19 November 2024 for the results of The British Travel Awards - as voted for by the travelling consumer. The BTAs are the largest consumer voted travel awards of its kind in the UK. This year, 1,207,712 votes were cast across the travel and leisure categories by over 400,000 consumers. See a full list of all the BTA award winners here Gold, silver and bronze were awarded for companies across each category based on the size of the business. Company registrations for the British Travel Awards 2025 are now open and full details of the awards timeline will be posted later.

British Airways has touched down in Bangkok, returning to the Land of Smiles after more than four years. To mark the occasion, passengers were greeted on arrival by traditional dancers, flower garlands and local gifts. British Airways announced its return to Bangkok earlier this year having last flown in 2020. Bangkok flights operate three times per week initially, increasing up to five times per week in January and February 2025, and four times per week in March 2025. Flights offer a three-class service - World Traveller (economy), World Traveller Plus (premium economy) and Club World (business class. The airline also recently announced its expanded codeshare partnership with Bangkok Airways, giving customers the opportunity to connect to five holiday destinations from Bangkok. These are Koh Samui, Phuket and Chiang Mai in Thailand as well as Phnom Penh and Siem Reap in Cambodia Neil Chernoff, BA Chief Planning and Strategy Officer, said: “We know that Bangkok has been a highly anticipated route restart, so we are thrilled to see it firmly back on our global route map.” Thai tourism officials have hailed the resumed service. Sadudee Sangnil, Director of UK, Ireland & South Africa, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said: “It is great to welcome British Airways back to Thailand, and just in time for the peak season”. British Airways will resume flying to Kuala Lumpur in April, 2025 with a daily flight from London Heathrow. 

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Consumer voting for the 2024 British Travel Awards (BTA) is now entering the home stretch. With voting closing on 29 September, nominated travel companies have just a few more weeks to lobby for consumer votes. Votes have been coming in all summer in support of favourite travel companies. BTA consumer media partner Reach Solutions, publisher of the Mirror and Express national titles, has been promoting voting through advertising and editorial. BTA director of events and partnerships, Lorraine Barnes Burton, said: “Three quarters of a million votes have been cast so far but there is still time for there to be a dramatic change in the companies leading the field.” “Nominated companies who haven’t got around to lobbying for votes can still turn it around with some strategic tactics to encourage customers to vote.” Lobbying tactics include companies using the BTA direct one-click ‘Vote for Us’ button on their websites, social media, emails and with direct customer database mailouts. In addition, BTA sponsored e-newsletters have been sent to over 400,000 past voters. Consumers are encouraged to vote by entry into a prize draw, with the chance to win holiday prizes. 

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British Airways has lost its Employment Tribunal appeal over its controversial ‘fire and rehire’ practice during the Covid pandemic. The airline had faced action from 38 former BA cabin crew members. The Tribunal upheld the ruling against BA which says the Equality Act is valid in the case of ‘indirect associative discrimination.’ Uniquely, the women and equalities minister Bridget Phillipson testified against the airline as did the Human Rights Commission. They argued all protections for females should be extended to males, specifically for home carers in this case. Justice Eady fsaid: “The ‘grain’ of the Equality Act is clear: it seeks to harmonise discrimination law and to strengthen the law to support progress on equality.” “Giving the right to fathers as well as mothers to challenge discriminatory practices of employers strengthens the law and means more employers will be held to account,” said lawyer Tara Grossman. BA’s fire and hire strategy was widely derided as a ‘calculated attempt to take advantage of the pandemic.’ An airline spokesperson said: “This appeal was about seeking the Employment Appeal Tribunal’s direction on a narrow area of law. We note the decision and will carefully review its judgment.” 

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The deadline to be included as a nominee in the 2024 British Travel Awards is fast approaching. Travel companies only have until 10 May to register. Only registered companies are featured on the consumer voting form; and last year a record number of votes– more than one and a half million - were cast to determine the 2023 British Travel Awards’ winners. Consumer voting kicks off on 24 June and in advance of that date all registered nominees will receive a nominee pack to start their vote lobbying campaigns. The pack contains unique lobbying assets to encourage customers to vote, including one-click “Vote for Us’ ‘buttons. This can be used on websites, social media and emails. Nominees will also receive a special nominee logo to display on all assets. BTA consumer media partner Reach Solutions, with its national and regional print and online newspapers, the Express, Mirror, Star, Scottish Daily Record and Sunday Mail titles, will promote the voting. Nominees are also offered the chance to become a BTA Prize Draw Partner, with benefits including discounted, dedicated Reach adverts to prompt voters and a complimentary place at the BTA Awards Gala night in November. BTA director of events and partnerships, Lorraine Barnes Burton, said: “This year there’s a choice of 82 Awards - there really is category for almost every travel company”. “Already nearly 500 nominations have been made.” “We usually see a flurry of registration activity in these last few weeks before registrations close but it’s important not to miss the 10 May deadline.“ British Travel Awards winners are determined solely on the number of verified consumer votes cast, with no stakeholder influence. This year the British Travel Award winners will be announced at the British Travel Awards Gala evening, taking place in London in November (date TBC). Applying for registration and listing on the 2024 British Travel Awards’ voting form is simple with no complicated, or time-consuming, submissions. 

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British Airways has returned to Abu Dhabi after a four-year pause of the route. British Airways will now operate daily Abu Dhabi flights from London Heathrow year around, using Boeing 787-9 during summer 2024. Elena Sorlini, CEO at Abu Dhabi Airports, said: "We extend a warm welcome to British Airways as they start operating at Zayed International Airport.” “Our new terminal offers visitors an unparalleled introduction to the vibrant UAE capital." The BA Abu Dhabi flights offer four cabins to choose from, including First. Calum Laming, Chief Customer Officer at British Airways said: “We are really excited to be celebrating our Abu Dhabi route launch.” 

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There is just over a couple of weeks to go. Travel companies wishing to be a nominee in the 2024 British Travel Awards need to register by 10 May. Only registered companies are featured on the consumer facing voting form. Last year there was a record number of votes– more than one and a half million - to determine the 2023 British Travel Awards’ winners. Consumer voting kicks off on 24 June and in advance of that date all registered nominees will receive a nominee pack to start their vote lobbying campaigns. The pack contains assets to encourage customers to vote, including one-click “Vote for Us’ ‘buttons, which can be used on all platforms, including websites, social media and emails. Nominees will also receive a special nominee logo to display on all assets. BTA consumer media partner Reach Solutions will again promote voting for the Awards with its national and regional print and online newspapers, the Express, Mirror, Star, Scottish Daily Record and Sunday Mail titles. Registered nominees are also offered the opportunity to become a BTA Prize Draw Partner. There are benefits including discounted, dedicated Reach adverts to prompt voters and a complimentary place at the BTA Awards Gala night in November. BTA director of events and partnerships, Lorraine Barnes Burton, said: “This year there’s a choice of 82 Awards - there really is category for almost every travel company.” “We usually see a flurry of registration activity in these last few weeks before registrations close but it’s important not to miss the 10 May deadline.“ British Travel Awards winners are determined solely on the number of verified consumer votes cast, with no stakeholder influence in the outcomes. This year the British Travel Award winners will be announced at the British Travel Awards Gala evening, taking place in London in November (date TBC). Applying for registration and listing on the 2024 British Travel Awards’ voting form is simple with no time-consuming, submissions to complete.

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Nominations are now open for the 2024 British Travel Awards (BTAs). Travel companies can put themselves forward to be included on the 2024 consumer facing voting form. This year there are 82 award categories, covering a comprehensive range of leisure travel experiences and services. In the interests of fairness, 46 of the categories are graded by company size. New this year are travel advertising awards for Favourite Company for TV, Radio, Print and Online ads. Building on the successful reintroduction last year of the airline and airport awards, 2024 will see awards recognising the Best Airlines for Long-Haul, Low Cost, Economy and Business Travel services. Awards for the Best Airport Retailer for Consumer Goods and Food & Beverages are also back. Entering the BTAs is easy, and details can be found under the nomination application tab on the BTA website. The winners are determined purely by the consumer, with voting once again promoted by BTA media partner Reach plc across their national and larger regional newspapers, both print and online. These include The Mirror and Express titles. Anyone who has subscribed on the BTA consumer database (over 400K people) will also be encouraged to place their vote when voting commences in June. BTA director of events and partnerships, Lorraine Barnes Burton, said: “To win a British Travel Award is an accolade, as illustrated by the number of travel companies proudly showing off their successes in their marketing collateral. “ In 2023 a record 1.6 million were cast by almost half a million consumers. Once companies are confirmed as entrants, they will receive, in advance of voting in June, the BTA ‘Nominee 2024 logo and their unique “one-click-to-vote” BTA button to lobby their own customers. The British Travel Awards is supported by loyal sponsors from inside and outside the travel industry and this year TUI is welcomed as a first-time sponsor.   

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The best in travel have been honoured at the 2023 British Travel Awards. Winners have been announced and awarded at a gala event, held in London More than 1.5 million votes were cast, made by 420,000 + consumer voters, which is a record in the 15-year history of the BTAs. This year there were 76 award categories, with 41 awards graded by company size – small, medium, or large operator. The company winning the most first place awards was Jet2.com/Jet2holidays, with an impressive 11 Gold Awards in categories including Best Large Travel Company for Summer Sun Holidays, Winter Sun Holidays, Family Holidays and Luxury Holidays. It also won Best Airline for Short-haul Flights and Best Airline for Economy Class Travel. Medium travel company Newmarket Holidays took home eight Gold Awards in categories that included Best Travel Company for Escorted Group Holiday; Best Touring Holidays and Best for Safari Holidays. They also picked up Gold Awards for holidays to destinations including Central / Northern Europe; Italy/ Western Med islands; Sub-Saharan Africa, Canada and USA. Solmar Villas carried off seven Gold Awards including Best Medium Travel Company for Summer Sun, Winter Sun, Family, Villa and Tailor-Made Holidays. Two new awards were popular with voters – Best Airport Retailer for Consumer Goods, won by Boots and from a shortlist of fifteen, Wetherspoons was voted Best Airport Retailer for Food and Beverage. Also in the aviation world, London Heathrow was voted Best Large UK Airport for Leisure Travel; with East Midlands winning in the medium category. Best Airline for Low-Cost Flights was easyJet, with Emirates taking Best Airline for Long Haul Flights and Best Airline for Business Class Travel. For the13th year running APH (Airport Parking & Hotels) won Best Company for Airport Parking. In ground transportation, Avis took Gold for Best Company for Car Hire after missing out last year. Shearings picked up three Golds for Best large Company for Coach Holidays, Best Large Travel Company for Touring Holidays, and Best Large Company for UK Coach / Touring Holidays. In the medium category Leger Holidays held on to Best for Coach Holidays and also won Best for Special Interest Holidays. Brightwater Holidays won Best Travel Company for Coach Holidays in the small company category. In rail, Eurostar won Best Large Travel Company to Western Europe and The Railway Touring Company took Best Small Travel Company for Rail Holidays. Brittany Ferries won Best Medium Travel Company to Western Europe; while P & O Ferries took Best Operator for Short Sea / Mini Cruises; Hurtigruten (now HX) won Best Cruise Line for Expedition Voyages, Viking won Best Cruise Line for River Cruise Holidays and Cunard won Best Cruise Line for Ultra-Luxurious Holiday In other categories, Travelzoo won Best Travel website for Travel Deals; Hays Travel won three Gold Awards for Best National Travel Retailer, Best Agency for Cruise Holidays and Best Retailer of Forex/ Travel Money. In a surprise, nominated for their first British Travel Awards, Lapland Specialist tour operator, Santa Claus Trips, was voted Best Small Travel Company for Family Holidays and Best Small Travel Company to Central / Northern Europe. BTA director of events and partnerships, Lorraine Barnes Burton, said: “A record has been set in the fifteen-year history of the British Travel Awards, both in the number of consumers voting and the votes cast.” “It is the largest travel industry awards’ programme and this year the winners were decided by more than one and a half million votes.” Since 2008 the British Travel Awards has been polling public opinion on leisure travel companies. The British Travel Awards has no affiliation or stakeholder interest with any travel business. The award accreditations are determined solely by the number of public votes cast. A total of 420,453 voters cast 1,561,370 votes. A full list of award winners, including silver and bronze awards, will be posted on the British Travel Awards website.

Consumer voting for the British Travel Awards is entering its final few weeks. Nominated travel companies still have time for a last push for votes from their loyal customers. A record almost 1.25 million votes have already been cast by nearly 325,000 consumers. However, some Awards are showing very close results, so last minute lobbying for votes could make all the difference. The voting closes at midnight on 1 October. BTA director of events and partnerships, Lorraine Barnes Burton, said: "Historically we always see an influx of voting at the end of the voting period.” "Some nominated companies hold back their efforts until the last minute and also many consumers return from their summer holidays around now.” "Some of the Awards are literally running neck and neck so it's not a time to be complacent. There's still time for a vote lobbying e-blast." British Travel Awards winners are determined solely on the number of verified consumer votes cast. There is no stakeholder influence in the outcomes. This year the British Travel Award winners will be announced at the British Travel Awards Gala evening, taking place in London on 28 November.  

 

Over one million votes already cast 

92% say their holiday choices are influenced by the BTA Winners’ Logo

  As the British Travel Awards’ consumer voting period reaches the half-way point voting figures have been released that reveal record breaking figures with more than one million votes already cast, by just over a quarter of a million consumer voters.   The exact numbers* are: - Total votes cast: 1,001,255 Number of voters: 254,408   Nearly 25,000 voters responded to an optional question:  “When you have seen a British Travel Awards logo on a company’s brochure, advertising, social media, emails or websites ,which of the following do you think?”   The response revealed: - 32.21% said; “This company satisfies their holiday customers so I will consider them when making my own holiday booking choices.” 28.59% said; “This company has been voted for by previous customers and is probably better than their competitors”.   31.99% said; “I would prefer to book with a company who has won a British Travel Award than a company who has not.” Only 7.21% said; “The British Travel Awards logo does not make any difference to me when making my holiday booking choices.”   BTA director of events and partnerships, Lorraine Barnes Burton, said: “Consumer voting has been encouraged by the advertising and editorial campaigns featured by our media partner Reach PLC, which includes the Mirror and Express titles and consumers have been voting in their droves with the voting figures, after just seven weeks, higher than usual and in fact record-breaking!  Historically many companies hold back with their lobbying campaigns until the second half of the voting period, so a lot can change between now and when voting closes at midnight on 1^st October.”   British Travel Awards winners are determined solely on the number of verified consumer votes cast, there is no stakeholder influence in the outcomes. This year the British Travel Award winners will be announced at the British Travel Awards Gala evening, taking place in London on 28 November.