Travel and Leisure favorites recognised at Reader Awards

The British Museum, Westfield Stratford City, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and Malta were amongst the top attractions, destinations and companies for group trips and holidays celebrated at last night's Group Leisure Awards ceremony. Votes were cast by readers of specialist travel magazine, Group Leisure.

Winners also included the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter, Warner Leisure Hotels, and West End production The Bodyguard; votes were cast by active travel organisers from sports & social clubs, retired associations, special interest societies and other groups.

RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show was awarded Best Event for Groups 2012/13, while Birmingham and Brighton collected the accolades for Best UK City and Best UK Resort respectively. A brand new category this year saw London-based company City & Village Tours collect the award for Best Guided Tour.

Lin Wilson of Solent Events was announced the winner of the prestigious Group Travel Organiser of the Year Award. Impressing an expert judging panel with her incredibly organised approach and passion for travel, Lin organises day trips, short breaks and holidays for people in the Gosport, Fareham, Southampton and Portsmouth areas. Along with her trophy, Lin collected £1,750 to use on a familiarisation holiday of her choice.

The ceremony took place at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole, and was attended by some of the top names in the travel industry. Awards were presented by Group Leisure magazine editor Rob Yandell, alongside special guest presenter, former England rugby international and television presenter, Martin Bayfield. 

Group Leisure magazine editor, Rob Yandell commented: "It's great that the group travel industry can come together on this one night each year to celebrate the successes and achievements of so many individuals and companies, as recognised by the very people who use their services to arrange group trips and holidays every day."

The 2013 categories and winners are as follows:

Best UK Attraction for Children: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter

Best Coach or Tour Operator - UK Tours: just for groups!

Best Ferry Operator: P&O Ferries

Best Airline: Jet2.com

Best Event for Groups 2012/2013: RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show

Best Travel Website: Visit York - www.visityork.org

Best Guided Tour: City & Village Tours

Best Accommodation for Groups: Warner Leisure Hotels

Best Shopping Centre: Westfield Stratford City

Best Shopping Retail Outlet: Clarks Village Outlet Shopping

Best Theatre Production: The Bodyguard

Best Ticketing Agency: Group Line

Best UK Resort: Brighton

Best UK City: Birmingham

Best International Destination: Malta

The Excellence Award 2013: Janet Fielding, Diamond Group Travel

Best Group Tour Operator - Short Haul: Success Tours

Best Group Tour Operator - Long Haul: Travelsphere

Best UK Attraction: The British Museum

Group Travel Organiser of the Year 2013: Lin Wilson, Solent Events.