Recognising the people and organisations helping to make the travel industry a better place to work and thrive, the winners will be revealed at AWTE’s Annual Christmas Lunch and Awards on Friday 27 November 2026 at Church House, Westminster.
Bringing together colleagues from across the sector, the awards and event will celebrate the best of the travel industry, from emerging talent and outstanding individual achievement to supportive workplaces and those championing others.
The shortlisted nominees are:
Outstanding Achievement:
• Professor Stroma Cole, Equality in Tourism
• Amy Skelding, Aim&Grace PR
• Elena Ktori, Antella Recruitment
• Debbie Hindle, ICRT Global
The Gillyan Shebbeare Award:
• Josi McGuire, Hays Travel
• Fi Morrison-Arnthal, Ambitions Travel Recruitment & Training
• Heather Egerton, HospitalityLine
• Tolene van der Merwe, Malta Tourism Authority
• Klaudija Janzelj, Tourplan
Male Ally:
• Chad Anderson, Discova
• Rob Breen, Rickshaw Travel
• Matt Price, Accord Marketing
• Rick Milne, Carrier
• Mike Morley, WEX
Most Supportive Workplace:
• Exsus Travel
• Simpson Travel
• Discova
• Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)
Rising Star of the Year:
• Lyla Serer, ABTA Lifeline
• Neve Bateson, British Airways
• Navya Pathania, Orange – The Destination Management Company
• Brooke Gilbertson, RX Global
The winners will be decided by a panel of judges comprising Lisa Fitzell, UK Managing Director, Audley Travel; Mafalda Teixeira, COO, AC Group; and Tom Macklin, Managing Director, Evan Evans Tours.
The event will also feature an auction and raffle in support of Bebe’s Hive CIC, which offers gentle, creative grief support for children. Through art, play and imagination, it helps children find comfort, express their feelings and begin to heal after the death of a loved one.
AWTE congratulates all those shortlisted and looks forward to bringing the industry together for an afternoon of celebration, connection and fundraising.
