Trade’s favourite brands revealed in Hotlist 2025
Katie McGonagle
Royal Caribbean International, AmaWaterways and G Adventures have each scooped a hat-trick of awards in The Hotlist, Travel Weekly’s annual survey of the trade’s favourite ocean cruise, river cruise and touring and adventure brands. Silversea, P&O Cruises, Scenic,
Intrepid Travel and Newmarket Holidays were double winners, picking up two awards each at an event held in central London on Wednesday, in association with headline partner Virgin Atlantic. They were among 19 winning
brands and 54 companies shortlisted across 30 categories to recognise expertise in key customer demographics, destinations and specialist product. The results are revealed in The Hotlist 2025, published with this week’s magazine. Lucy Huxley, editor-in-chief
of Travel Weekly, said: “We had a fantastic response with nearly 6,000 votes from agents up and down the country. It’s brilliant to see so many frontline sellers showing their support for the companies that look after their customers. “We received hundreds of positive
comments about the excellent service, variety of product and incredible
See the results of almost 6,000 votes by agents in The Hotlist 2025 – out this week
trade support from these brands, proving how much agents value their relationships with their suppliers. “I’d like to say a particular thank
you to all the agents who took the time to cast their votes, as well as to our headline sponsor Virgin Atlantic and trade partners Clia and Atas.” Royal Caribbean led the ocean
cruising brands, being voted the best line for families, entertainment and Caribbean sailings. AmaWaterways was recognised for its food and drink, wellness programme and excursions, while G Adventures topped the touring list for active itineraries, younger travellers and Latin America. New categories recognised the
Berkshire-based operator Great Little Escapes ceases trading
Great Little Escapes has ceased trading as an Atol holder. The tour operator, which was based in Sandhurst, Berkshire, traded under the names Great Little Escapes, Tunisia First and Your Holidays until its failure on June 13. The CAA said it understood there were not any customers overseas, while the initial number of estimated forward bookings stood at 141.
8 19 JUNE 2025
best cruise lines for small-ship sailings and warm-water expeditions – both scooped by Silversea – along with fitness and wellness cruises, which went to Virgin Voyages in the ocean sector, and the best culture and history tours, where Titan Travel prevailed. Nicki Goldsmith, director of
global agency sales at Virgin Atlantic, said: “We were delighted to reveal the winners. Congratulations to all the suppliers who earned recognition this year.” The survey hosted on Travel
Weekly’swebsite between March 5 and April 11 received 5,811 votes. Full results are in The Hotlist 2025 and at
travelweekly.co.uk/latest-edition.
Riviera Travel promotes Vicky Billing to trade director role
Riviera Travel has promoted Vicky Billing to director of trade and partnerships in the UK and Ireland. She was previously head of trade partnerships. Billing, who will lead a team of 24, covering trade sales, support, partnerships, groups and affinity and related marketing activity, plans to ”deepen trade relationships”.
Lo Bue-Said and Rzymowska honoured by King
Advantage Travel Partnership chief executive Julia Lo Bue-Said and former Celebrity Cruises EMEA vice-president and managing director Jo Rzymowska have received honours in the King’s Birthday Honours list. Lo Bue-Said receives an OBE for
services to business and to tourism, while Rzymowska receives an MBE for services to diversity and inclusion in the travel industry. Other recipients include:
Q Paul Flaum, Bourne Leisure chief executive – OBE for services to the hospitality, travel and leisure industries, to Holocaust
education and to charity; Q Rachel Gardner-Poole, director of consultancy Aviascia and a former member of the Jet Zero Council –
OBE for services to aviation; and Q Jayne Mushet, Haven Holidays general manager – medallist of the Order of the British Empire for services to hospitality, travel and the leisure industries in the northwest. Lo Bue-Said said: “This honour
reflects not only my personal journey but also the importance of our industry and its economic contribution, and the exceptional people and talent in the industry.” Rzymowska, who now runs
consultancy Jovolution, said: “I’ve been fortunate to stand on the shoulders of so many who reminded me that difference is a strength.”
Travel Department appoints senior partnerships manager
Guided group holidays specialist Travel Department has recruited a senior partnerships manager. Alex Meadows, who was at Expedia for 15 years, joins as the company continues to strengthen its distribution capabilities across the UK and Ireland. Meadows will be responsible for developing third-party channels such as affiliates, media partners, OTAs and aggregators.
travelweekly.co.uk
PICTURE: Shutterstock/Sven Hansche
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