This unique annual award, with an increased first prize of £2,500 to spend on a holiday, continues to recognise group travel organisers for the positive impact they have on the lives of friends, family, colleagues or the local community.
First presented in 1999, the GTO of the Year Award® is a great way of highlighting how GTOs bring people together to enjoy amazing experiences.
2025 entries and nominations now open
People who organise group trips and holidays can enter themselves into the competition, whether it’s your hobby or full-time job.
We also accept nominations from group members and encourage travel trade suppliers to put forward the great group travel organisers they work with.
The Group Leisure & Travel team then find out more about them through a questionnaire and, if required, a phone call. A shortlist of four finalists is then decided who are then put in front of a panel of experts, which are normally made up of experienced travel trade professionals and group travel organisers, alongside the senior staff at GLT.
The GTO of the Year Award® 2025 is partnered by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
As a family-run cruise line, Fred. Olsen really takes your experience personally. While the rest of the cruise industry has gone for bigger ships, Fred. Olsen has always believed that smaller is better. They have fewer guests on board so the service is personal and the atmosphere is warm and civilised.
The dedicated groups team is on hand to help you plan your cruise. Plus, your party can enjoy a choice of added value benefits.
With Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, you can sail from regional UK ports with itineraries available from Rosyth (Edinburgh), Newcastle, Liverpool, Southampton, Dover and Portsmouth in 2025 and 2026.
The winner of the 2024 award was…
Joyce Cook of Basingstoke & Old Basing U3A who was announced at the Group Leisure & Travel Awards ceremony in London on Thursday 27th June.
A big well done to Nicola Haynes, Theatre Trips Essex, Patsy Steadman, Force Club, Avon & Somerset Police and Gwen Wright, the Arts Society, Cranleigh, for making it through as finalists in the 2024 initiative.
You can find out more about the finalists in our special feature here.
A few words from the 2024 judges
Alan Rennie, business development manager for Ambassador Cruise Line said: “We wouldn’t have a thriving groups market if it were not for GTOs like these finalists.
“Listening to the stories of hard work mixed with a sense of pride, love and enjoyment opens your eyes to exactly what each group requires. To celebrate this work is crucial to give these amazing GTOs the spotlight and recognition they deserve, which is why Ambassador Cruise Line is so thrilled to support this category.
“We always love hearing about the GTOs who have made a real difference to others.”
Daniel Pocock, sales development team leader for Potters Resorts and 2023 Excellence Award winner added: “It is so important to have awards like this to celebrate and honour the organisers who go above and beyond for their clubs or associations, colleagues, and local community.
“They offer opportunities for people to get out and enjoy what the UK and the world has to offer – many of whom wouldn’t have the opportunity if not for these hard-working individuals. Those organisers who work tirelessly to offer people a community and the opportunity to experience something new and make memories deserve to be acknowledged.”
About the award
The GTO of the Year Award® is part of the annual Group Leisure & Travel Awards initiative.
Launched in 1998 and first awarded in 1999, this annual award now comes with a £2,000 first prize for the winner to spend on a holiday to remember. Previous winners have chosen to visit destinations including Austria, Italy and Turkey.
Over the years, all sorts of organisers have been recognised from a range of different groups and backgrounds. What they have all had in common is their ability and willingness to create fun and enjoyable opportunities for other people – many of whom would not have been able to enjoy such experiences otherwise.
“It is so important to have awards like this to celebrate and honour the organisers who go above and beyond for their clubs or associations, colleagues, and local community.”
Daniel Pocock, Potters Resorts, 2024 judge
Should you have questions about the award, or need help contact the team at Group Leisure & Travel on 01908 613323 or send an email to awards@groupleisureandtravel.com.
For more information about the Group Leisure & Travel Awards click here.
