The annual AWTE Awards took place in London on Monday afternoon during the association’s annual Christmas lunch at One Moorgate Place. The afternoon was a celebration of success with male and female winners spanning travel seeing industry pioneers rewarded for their impact on business and the industry.
This year’s awards were sponsored by Homeworking by Inspire with managing director, Lisa Henning, demonstrating Inspire’s dedication to supporting the development and enhancement of women throughout the business.
The AWTE honorary award was handed to Sophie Griffiths, Editor at TTG for her outstanding contribution and ongoing support to the travel industry over the last 18 months. She has hosted live seminars with government ministers, spearheaded industry-leading campaigns including #SaveTravel and #SaveTravelJobs and devising “Holiday to Help Out” scheme. Julia Lo Bue-Said, from the Advantage Travel Partnership, was also recognised with a Highly Commended accolade for her continued work as an exceptional industry leader, tirelessly leading throughout the pandemic and boldly lobbying the government, on behalf of the entire travel industry.
The Business Impact award for 2021 was presented to Basia Kolosinska, Director at C&M Recruitment. Her passion and positivity over the course of the pandemic has been truly extraordinary. She has tirelessly supported industry businesses and colleagues and is a true inspiration, who's expertise, professionalism and support has helped many through the pandemic.
Danny Waine, Head of Membership, ABTA, was named winner of AWTE’s Male Ambassador award, which recognises a male member of the travel industry who encourages, enables and supports women in business. Danny has provided huge support across the industry over the last 18 months and has helped others find their feet, nurtured upcoming talent and encouraged others with their career progression. The category also saw Chris Wright, managing director, Sunvil, receive a Highly Commended accolade for his continued support across the business and his work to ensure diversity and inclusion are encouraged.
Company of the Year was awarded to Holiday Extras where its strategy to build back stronger and better, has provided a wealth of opportunities for females within the business to be promoted and recognised. The business supports women with single parent issues, health and wellbeing as well as other women’s related topics in a safe space to make things easier for those who need to feel heard, seen and valued.
Claire Osborne – Chair of the AWTE said “It was an amazing afternoon of celebration recognising achievements across the industry. All our winners should be extremely proud of themselves today! This year the awards were part of our Christmas lunch, which was a huge success, and enabled us to come together after a challenging couple of years and share our plans for 2022. We have a range of events supporting members mental health & wellbeing and personal development coming up, whilst also raising money for our charity of choice Papyrus. We were thrilled that over 60% of those who attended the event on Monday made donations on the day. The travel industry family never ceases to amaze me. There is such talent in this industry with amazing friendships who have all pulled together over the last 18 months to support each other during some very trying times. I can’t wait to welcome in 2022 and seeing what we can achieve next year!”
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