Silver Travel Awards 2016

We all had a wonderful time at the Silver Travel Awards on 22 June at a champagne reception in the London Transport Museum and our guests were delighted to be welcomed by a superb recital from the Classic FM string quartet. 

In a unique setting of buses, trams and other historic exhibits, we enjoyed a splendid evening of good company, fine Hungarian wine and we were thrilled to meet so many of you there. Read our Forum thread. 

The ceremony was hosted by the fabulous Actress Amanda Redman MBE, of BBC1’s New Tricks fame, who brought an extra touch of glamour to a very special evening. Amanda said:- "it's a real honour to be able to present the awards to companies and destinations which best support the mature traveller”.

Watch our video of the ceremony highlights

Now in their second year, our Awards were supported by headline sponsor Iglu Cruise, with a total of 16 categories and were voted for by Silver Travellers. Our other main sponsors were Shearings and Solos Holidays; the champagne reception was sponsored by Classic FM and our trade sponsors were Travel Weekly.

The runners-up and winners at the 2016 Silver Travel Awards

Best Ocean Cruise Line Runner-up: Cruise & Maritime Voyages WINNER: Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines		Best Specialist Cruise Line Runner up: Swan Hellenic WINNER: Noble Caledonia
Best River Cruise Line Runner up: Viking River Cruises WINNER: Emerald Waterways		Best Large Tour Operator Runner up: Saga Holidays WINNER: Shearings Holidays
Best Escorted Tour Operator Runner up: Shearings Holidays WINNER: Voyages Jules Verne		Best Specialist or Activity Tour Operator Sponsored by JFA Systems Runner up: Ramblers Worldwide Holidays WINNER: HF Holidays
Best Accessible Travel Provider Runner up: Saga Holidays WINNER: Enable Holidays		Best UK Attraction Runner up: Alton Towers WINNER: London Eye
Best UK Town or City Runner up: York WINNER: London		Best UK Hotel Group Runner up: Hilton Hotels & Resorts WINNER: Premier Inn
Best Self-Catering Operator Sponsored by Holiday Property Bond Runner up: Haven WINNER: Forest Holidays		Best Airline Sponsored by Your Service Centre Gatwick Runner up: Emirates WINNER: British Airways
Best Car Hire Company Sponsored by Indigo Car Hire Runner up: Hertz WINNER: Avis		Best Overseas Destination Sponsored by Holland America Line Runner up: New Zealand WINNER: Italy
Best City Breaks Operator Sponsored by Uniworld Boutique River Cruises Runner up: Riviera Travel WINNER: Kirker Holidays		Best Rail Holiday Provider Sponsored by My InterRail Runner up: Ffestiniog Travel WINNER: Great Rail Journeys

Exceptional Achievement Award

Graham Simpson
Founder and Chairman of Simpson Travel

Graham’s entrepreneurial achievement in building two successful businesses from scratch is testament to his vision and drive. Simply Travel catered for the older,  discerning traveller and Simpson Travel has carried that on with its focus on the over 50’s with a passion for life and adventure. His business further reflects the cornerstones of the Silver Travel Advisor ethos by employing people who are ‘silver’ themselves.

Lynn Narraway
Managing Director of Holland America Line and Seabourn

Lynn has amazing energy and drive and inspires everyone who meets her. Her altruism sets her apart from her peers and she provides support to those most in need at the same time as managing a successful business. Lynn deserves to be recognised for her commitment to the silver travel market, and for exemplifying the success that women can and should have in their chosen careers.

Photos © Steve Dunlop Photography

Read about all of the nominees for the Exceptional Achievement Awards 2016