More than 200 entries were submitted, the highest ever number since 2018 when the awards programme was launched as the first sector-specific, luxury travel awards for the trade. 

For the 2023 awards, an unprecedented number of people entered for Sustainability Hero of the Year, a testament to its growing importance at the heart of many travel businesses, while several new categories were also introduced, including Luxury Travel Workplace of the Year and Luxury Trade Support Team. 

Also new is Luxury Travel Big Idea of the Year, which allows agencies to share a campaign or innovation that boosted business or brought something new to the sector. 

Small Luxury Travel Homeworking Business of the Year was also introduced as a new category, in order to reflect the growing number of small businesses that have emerged or reshaped in this format over the last few years. 

“We would like to extend a huge thank you to all who gave up their time to enter, and send a massive congratulations to those who made this shortlist,” said April Hutchinson, editor of TTG Luxury. “Entries were of a very high standard, with so many brilliant stories of creativity, innovation, care and resilience.”

“After an incredibly tough two years and then a ‘recovery bounceback’ that saw luxury travel demand spike but see companies still faced with challenges such as recruitment, aviation struggles, price hikes and capacity issues, travel designers and suppliers continued to do their very best to deliver amazing luxury holidays for clients, take care of their own staff and partners and do what they could to try and advance the sustainability movement,” she added.

Finalists will now be judged by panels of luxury travel advisors and industry experts, with the winners revealed at the awards ceremony on Friday 24 February.

Following a pandemic pause in 2021, the awards made their welcome comeback earlier in 2022 and now in their fifth outing, the event will move to a new venue. 

The awards will be held at The Biltmore Mayfair in the heart of this prestigious London district and will maintain their popular afternoon format. 

Finalists and guests will enjoy a drinks reception and lunch before the announcement of the winners during an uplifting and convivial afternoon ceremony. 

Finalists in 17 categories are announced today, while the recipient of the prestigious Contribution to Luxury Travel award will also be presented to an individual on the day of the awards. 

Tickets for the event are now available, with tables of 10 also available for advance purchase. 

See the shortlist here.