Jet2 was up against Exodus, Inntravel and Premier Inn for the travel brand gong, with Exodus going up against Miele, Good Energy, Silver Cross and Triodos Bank for the sustainability accolade.

"As coronavirus travel restrictions ease up, consumers are looking for airlines that offer quality on a budget," said Which?. "Jet2, which specialises in bargain-priced package trips, outclassed its rivals this year to earn the Travel Brand of the Year award.

"It stood out thanks to its excellent customer service and value for money – something which many holidaymakers will be prioritising. The company is the only Which? Recommended Provider airline this year and the joint-top package holiday provider. In our most recent consumer survey, Jet2 earned an impressive customer score of 86%."

Steve Heapy, Jet2.com and Jet2holidays chief executive, added: “The past two years have created challenges for many industries, with travel feeling the impact more than many.

"The way different companies responded to the pandemic will be remembered for a long time, and I am very proud of the way that Jet2.com and Jet2holidays have led the way when it comes to looking after customers and treating them with respect.

“Ahead of international travel reopening, we wanted to fly, rather than limp, out the traps once restrictions eased. With that in mind, we have been resolutely focused on delivering the same industry-leading levels of customer service that our customers expect.

"There is no better or fairer measure of how well we are doing in that regard than the consumer champion Which? and their members, so to be recognised as Which? Travel Brand of the Year shows we are doing the right thing."

Of Exodus, meanwhile, Which? said: Exodus Travels has won the first Which? Award for Sustainability Champion of the year, providing environmentally-conscious and sustainable holidays.

"The company’s sustainability initiatives are somewhat of a marvel, and it is one of the few travel providers to start publishing the carbon footprint of its holidays to measure and reduce its impact. It is also rewilding 100 square metres per passenger and offsetting all trip emissions.

Exodus Travels has pledged to halve its carbon footprint by 2030. It is also in the process of expanding its rail bookings across its most popular European destinations, meaning customers don’t necessarily have to fly to their destination."

The awards took place at One Events in London and were hosted by Which? chief executive Anabel Hoult and TV’s June Sarpong.