2025 Annual Awards
Winners Announced 28 November 2025
Celebrating Excellence
The AWTE Awards return in 2025 to shine a spotlight on the trailblazers, changemakers and rising stars across travel, tourism and hospitality.
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These prestigious awards recognise individuals and organisations who champion diversity, innovation and leadership – those who go above and beyond to make a lasting impact.
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Join us as we honour the women and allies driving progress in our industry. Winners will be announced at the iconic AWTE Christmas Lunch on 28th November 2025 at Church House, Westminster.
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Those Shortlisted for 2025 are:
Outstanding Achievement Award
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Amy Skelding, FINN Partners
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Kgomotso Ramothea, ATTA
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Lucia Rowe, Arosa Cruise Lines
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Emma Westman, Black Diamond
Male Ambassador Award
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Dave Sharman, Newmarket Holidays
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Bruce Martin, Travel Gossip
Mentor of the Year Award
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Amy Skelding, FINN partners
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Ailsa Tavares, Travel Promoters
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Maria Payne, Accord Marketing
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Elena Ktori, Antella Travel Recruitment
Sustainability Award
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Claire Ross, Dertour UK
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Ali Holman, Scott Dunn
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Eleni Skarveli, Greek National Tourism Office
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Ya’axché Conservation Trust, Belize
Unsung Hero Award
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Jessica Simpson, Travel Gossip
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Linzi Barber, Airlinepros
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Kylie Bawden, FINN Partners
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Claire Roadley, Umlingo Travel PR
Rising Star of the Year Award
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Rachel Santa Cruz, FINN Partners
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Allie Mason, Steppes Travel
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Tia Ghai, Attraction World Group
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Bella Hills, Black Diamond
The Gillyan Shebbeare Award
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Nicola Graham, Reubens Retreat
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Claire Osbourne, Travelport​
Award Categories for 2025
Outstanding Achievement Award
The Outstanding Achievement Award celebrates an individual who has demonstrated exceptional excellence and accomplished remarkable feats
within the travel industry.
Sponsored by: Xeinadin
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Winner in 2025: Amy Skelding, FINN Partners​​​​
Winner in 2025: David Sharman, Newmarket Holidays​​​​
Male Ambassador Award
This award recognises a travel industry male professional who actively encourages, enables and supports women in business.
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Mentor of the Year Award
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This award recognises a member who positively affects others via demonstrated mentorship qualities.
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Winner in 2025: Elena Ktori, Antella Recruitment​​​​
Winner in 2025: Eleni Skarveli, GNTO​​​​
Sustainability Award
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The Sustainability Award recognises an individual or organisation that has demonstrated outstanding commitment and leadership in promoting sustainability.​​
Unsung Hero Award
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The Unsung Hero Award recognises the outstanding contributions of an individual who has made a significant, yet often overlooked, impact within the
travel industry.​​
Winners in 2025: Linzi Barber, AirlinePros
Jessica Simpson, Travel Gossip​​​​
Winner in 2025: Tia Ghai, Attraction World​​​​
Rising Star of the Year Award
For an individual who is 30 or under, relatively fresh to the industry and has made a significant impact.
In Partnership with: ITT
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The Gillyan Shebbeare Award
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Awarded to an individual who has made a significant contribution to fundraising for a charity or organisation and who displays a true sense of community and commitment to a cause. It is named in honour of AWTE benefactor, Gillyan Shebbeare, whose legacy allowed AWTE to support women in the travel industry for more than 55 years. The winner will also receive a gift of £500 to contribute to their activities with their chosen charity.​​
Winners in 2025:
Claire Osborne, Travelport,
Nicola Graham, Reuben's Retreat​​​​