These three awards recognise the travel companies that have delivered outstandingly for the mature traveller in terms of an idea, initiative or innovation in Product Development (the Breakthrough Award), Sustainable and Responsible Travel (the Footprint Award), and the Best Travel Advertisement to appear in print over the last 12 months (the Paper Award).
The awards were assessed by panels of eminent travel industry figures.
And the winners are:
THE SILVER-i BREAKTHROUGH AWARD FOR PRODUCT INNOVATION
Winner: Viking
Highly commended: Revitalise, Emerald Yacht Cruises
The judges said Viking”…has clearly demonstrated its ability to pivot their business even in the toughest of climates. Launched in mid-March this initiative has allowed them to create positivity and ensure that their customers remained part of a community with daily live streams including a NASA Astronaut, the curator of the Royal Academy of Arts, and Lesley Nicol, better known as Downton Abbey’s Mrs Patmore. A great initiative done exceptionally well done.”
THE SILVER-i FOOTPRINT AWARD FOR RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
Two Winners: The APT Travel Group and Hurtigruten
Highly commended: Celebrity Cruises
The judges said The APT Travel Group “…has demonstrated their huge commitment to sustainability with their One Tomorrow charitable foundation, connecting guests to causes in the regions in which they operate, and enabling them to deliver the best possible support for the local community.”
And they said of Hurtigruten: “This company has put sustainability at the heart of its business. As an early adopter of the plastics ban and a world leader in exploration, its introduction of the first hybrid-powered expedition cruise ships clearly shows that sustainability has been high on its agenda for some time.
THE SILVER-i PAPER AWARD FOR THE BEST TRAVEL ADVERISEMENT IN PRINT
Winner: Ramblers Walking Holidays
Highly commended: Silversea, Leger Holidays (by Accord Marketing)
The judges said of Ramblers Walking Holidays: “This is bold, fun and totally engaging. It’s a stand-out campaign that cuts through the market and brings a real sense of fun and adventure, and we love that it includes real customers enjoying their holiday.”
The judging panel for the Silver-i Breakthrough Award featured:
Derek Jones, Managing Director, Kuoni, Sally Winfield, CEO Accord Marketing, John Carter, Broadcaster & Journalist, James Clarke, General Manager, Travelzoo and John McEwan, Chairman of the Advisory Board for Pebble Travel – investors
The judging panel for the Silver-i Footprint Award featured:
Derek Moore, Chairman, AITO, David Winterton, Director of Marketing and Global Brand Curator, Emerald Waterways, Kelly Cookes, Leisure Director, The Advantage Travel Partnership, Kristina Wallen, Managing Director, Harp Wallen and Alison Page, Director of Client Development, Global
The judging panel for the Silver-i Paper Award featured:
Mark Palmer, Travel Editor, the Daily Mail, Lucy Huxley, Group Editor-in-Chief, Travel Weekly, Nicole Mason, Marketing Director, Just You, Jeanette Harper, Director of Travel & Partnerships, Avis Budget Group, and Stuart Perl, founder & Managing Director, The Cruise Strategy Company
