PICTURE: Steve Dunlop
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Special
Five Special Awards celebrate the individuals and companies that embody all that is great about the travel industry
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From going the extra mile to help colleagues to driving positive change or ensuring travel is open and accessible to everyone, the Globes honours those in the industry who deserve special praise. Our panel of expert judges carefully reviews each of the nominations and interviews the shortlisted entrants in some categories to ensure the most deserving winners take home these prestigious accolades. Here’s an outline of what our judges will be looking for.
Travel for All Award This category shines a light on a travel company that has taken bold steps to ensure its holidays are inclusive and accessible. It recognises those who design experiences with every type of traveller in mind, including those historically overlooked due to disability or identity. Ocean Holidays won this award last year, having booked more than 6,000 accessible holidays since the company began. Co-founder Harry Hastings encouraged the trade to “be braver and speak to clients about their needs – and to suppliers about how they can help.”
Unsung Hero Award Every company has employees whose contributions might not make headlines but whose impact is profound, from supporting colleagues in their moment of need to dedicating time to charitable causes. In 2025, Marina Snellenberg, accessibility manager at Tui, was recognised for her efforts to embed accessible travel across the business, inspired by her late husband Alex who had motor neurone disease. She said: “This award makes me so proud of what I have done, and proud of Tui for taking me on board with a project and transforming it into what it is today.”
Sustainable Future Award This award is for organisations that treat sustainability as a core principle in how they operate and help inspire others
to take positive steps to minimise their impact. Last year’s winner, G Adventures, was praised for its long-standing commitment to people and planet. Communications manager Stephanie Francis said: “We’ve had sustainability at the heart of what we do at G Adventures from day one. This award means everything.”
Employer of the Year Award Judges are looking for workplaces where culture, employee wellbeing and career growth are top priorities, and where staff success drives the business forward. EasyJet holidays picked up the XMXPI [MXL ½RERGI HMVIGXSV 1MGLIPPI ,I][SSH
crediting the entire team. She said: “This is about everybody in the organisation. We couldn’t ask to be part of a more remarkable team.”
Outstanding Achievement Award This award honours someone whose contribution to travel has been transformative. It has previously been presented to industry leaders including Dame Irene Hays, Clia UK and Ireland’s Andy Harmer and Jet2’s Steve Heapy. In 2025, the honour went to Silversea’s now-retired managing director Peter Shanks, recognised for a remarkable three-decade career across retail, tour operating and cruise. He said: “This [award] is really for all the people who have supported me, and I’ve had the pleasure of working with over many years. It means an awful lot to me.”
Peter Shanks
EVERY COUNTS
Vote
globetravelawards.co.uk
November 2025 17
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