The all-new event, in association with Virgin Atlantic, saw more than 800 travel professionals come together for the first time in 18 months to celebrate the resilience of the industry.
Jet2holidays won in two categories – Tour Operator of the Year – large, and Trade Support Team of the Year – before going on to be crowned the UK & Ireland’s Travel Company of the Year.
Holidaysplease consultant Jo Shayler, meanwhile, was named Home-based Agent of the Year before being revealed as the UK & Ireland’s Agent of the Year.
The Travel Industry Awards by TTG took place at Magazine London, next to London’s iconic O2 arena, on Thursday (30 September) with headline partner Virgin Atlantic and sister brands Virgin Hotels and Virgin Voyages creating a host of exciting experiences for guests.
The inaugural John Hays Entrepreneur Award was bestowed upon James Cole, founder of Panache Cruises, by Dame Irene Hays and daughter Helen Hays.
The Italian National Tourist Office LGBT+ Trailblazer award went to Celebrity Cruises’ vice president and managing director EMEA, Jo Rzymowska, while Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of Advantage Travel Partnership, was named Travel Legend of 2021.
Other big winners on the night included Intrepid Travel, taking home the trophy for both Sustainable Travel Company of the Year and Touring & Adventure Operator of the Year.
G Adventures was named Smarter, Better, Fairer Travel Business of the Year by the TTG Media team, while Kuoni was recognised as Best Place to Work in Travel.
TTG editor Sophie Griffiths said: “After the most challenging 18 months in the travel industry’s history, the Travel Industry Awards by TTG was an incredible opportunity to reunite the individuals and companies that have worked so hard to look after customers, to adapt and improve their businesses, and to get ready for the restart of the sector.
“With the most robust entry and judging process in the business, the Travel Industry Awards by TTG really are the most difficult to win, and anyone who took home a trophy can truly feel they are the best of the best.”
