What a super time we had at the Silver Travel Awards on 8 June at a drinks reception at Madame Tussauds in London, where our guests were entertained beautifully, surrounded by stars of screen and music, by a charming recital from the Classic FM string quartet.
Madame Tussauds is an iconic attraction, with the most life-like array of figures, including those from the world of sport, politics and history as well as our own royal family. It was a real pleasure to welcome friends from the travel industry and silver travellers too, together with the wider Silver Travel Advisor team.
After a chance for all our guests to explore the museum, the ceremony took place in the World Stage, hosted by Classic FM’s presenter, Aled Jones. He wowed us all with humour and thoroughly enjoyed being our host, ‘What a wonderful opportunity this is – a real celebration of all that is excellent in travel for the mature traveller.’ We note that he’ll be joining our ranks very soon! Aled was joined by our wonderful Patron, John Carter who draw the raffle and surprised the audience with his fluent Welsh – a nod to Aled’s home country.
Now in their third year, and supported by headline sponsor Saga Holidays, consumer media sponsor Mail advertising and Classic FM, the Awards have been expanded to a total of 17 main categories and were voted for by more people than ever, with over 55,000 votes being cast.
Debbie Marshall, managing director of Silver Travel Advisor, said: “We are excited that a record number of over 50s have voted this year to choose these winners which recognise the holiday companies and experiences that serve them best.
The winners and runners-up all share one common feature – the ability to listen to older travellers and respond to them with flair and imagination.”
Watch our video of the ceremony highlights
The runners-up and winners at the 2017 Silver Travel Awards
Best Ocean Cruise LineRunner-up: Celebrity Cruises |
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Best River Cruise LineRunner up: Riviera Travel |
Best Specialist Cruise LineRunner up: Hurtigruten |
Best Large Tour OperatorRunner up: Shearings Holidays |
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Best Activity Tour OperatorRunner up: Explore |
Best City Breaks OperatorRunner up: Kirker Holidays |
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Best UK Breaks OperatorRunner up: Warner Leisure Hotels |
Best Escorted Touring Operator (UK Tours)
Runner up: Grand UK Holidays |
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Best Escorted Touring Operator
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Best Cultural Tour Operator
Runner up: Wendy Wu Tours |
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Best Self-Catering Accommodation
Runner up: Airbnb |
Best Rail Holiday Provider
Runner up: Railbookers |
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Best Airline
Runner up: Emirates |
Best Overseas DestinationRunner up: Italy |
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Best Accessible Travel Provider
Runner up: Shearings Holidays |
Best Operator for the Single Traveller
Runner up: Saga Holidays |
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Best Car Rental CompanyRunner up: Hertz |
Exceptional Achievement Award
The Exceptional Achievement Award is given to an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to travel for the over 50s.
Wendy Atkin-Smith
Managing Director, Viking Cruises UK
The panel of judges said:
Everyone loves a success story – to have worked your way up within a business to lead it, especially if that business is Viking Cruises. Wendy has done so much to widen the possibilities of travel for people who want to discover new things – but in a comfortable way. River cruising was hardly taken seriously ten years ago. Now, it is the holiday of choice for more and more people. Wendy has worked at all levels of the cruising world and clearly has a fantastic understanding of the sector.
Read about the nominees for the 2017 Exceptional Achievement Award
Classic FM 25 Year Anniversary Travel Company Award
Classic FM celebrates 25 Years of delivering the world’s greatest music in 2017 and to mark this special anniversary, Silver Travel Advisor is delighted to have partnered with them in an additional award to recognise the Best Travel Company with at least 25 years’ experience of creating great holidays for their customers.
Runner up: Inghams
WINNER: Kirker Holidays
Photos © Steve Dunlop Photography
