More than 30 submissions were received for the prestigious award, launched at the Travel Industry Awards by TTG in 2021 in memory of the late John Hays.
The category is judged by Dame Irene Hays and Helen Hays, together with senior members of the TTG Media team, and recognises the founders of new travel businesses that have disrupted the sector, or businesses which have pivoted significantly during the last three years.
Previous recipients are James Cole, founder of Panache Cruises, and Adam Sebba, Nicholas Priest and Ed Hicks, co-founders of The Luminaire.
On the shortlist for 2023 are:
Alice and Georgia Aubrey, co-founders, Lovetovisit.com – an attraction tickets platform which is changing the face of how consumers book “things to do” in the UK
Julie Cheetham, managing director & co-founder, Weeva – a game-changing sustainability measurement tool offering hospitality and tourism providers an affordable way to measure and improve their impact
Mike Kelly, founder, Coral Tree Travel – a new tour operator set up in 2021 as the UK’s first family safari holidays specialist
Gail Kenny, founder, Best Workplaces In Travel – a new awards programme to recognise those travel companies doing most to look after and develop their workforce
Anita Powell, founder, The Africa Hub – a new information portal for anyone selling travel to Africa, which now has a successful membership programme
Andrew Rowdon, director, Panndorah/Go Travel Wallet – a gift list service for honeymooners which is now being rolled out to the wider industry
Carol Savage, founder, Not In The Guide Books – a local experiences specialist which is making authentic, sustainable experiences bookable for the trade
Abi Selby, founder, Spabreaks.com – a spa-booking platform launched in 2008 which has undergone a significant repositioning in the last three years and enjoyed the most profitable year in its history in 2022.
The winner will be revealed on 28 September at The Travel Industry Awards 2023 by TTG at Magazine London, with the award presented by Dame Irene and Helen Hays.
Individual tickets to attend the event are still available, alongside a limited number of tables.
