Winners of the 2008 British Travel Awards announced

At the British Travel Awards ceremony held at the end of last week in London, the honours of top large travel retailer of the year went to Thomas Cook, while Flight Centre received the award for small travel retailer. The winners of awards in 71 categories were announced at the ceremony.

In the airline of the year category, Etihad Airways was named the winner, with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines coming in first place among cruise operators. Thomson Holidays won the award for large operator of the year and Olympic Holidays the award for the top specialist operator.

Top small operator honours went to Premier Holidays, and the hotel chain award to Riu Hotels. Avis was voted best car hire company, P&O Ferries the best ferry company and Crystal Holidays won the award for the top activity/sports operator.

Although it will be phased out two years, Ocean Village was named best mainstream cruise line of the year, and its sister operator, P&O Cruises, was voted the top premium/luxury line. Hurtigruten won the award as best niche cruise line.

The best UK/domestic operator honours went to Haven, and Manchester Airport was chosen airport of the year.

Top honours as the most environmentally-responsible carrier went to First Choice Airways, and Flybe took top honours as the most environmentally-responsible low-cost carrier.

Awards for environmental responsibility also went to First Choice Holidays and Keycamp Holidays.

The best technology provider award went to Amadeus, while Expedia won for the best flight booking website. Hotels4U.com was awarded the best website for accommodation booking.

VisitBritain was chosen as the best tourist board and Royal Caribbean’s training programme was named tops for the year.

www.britishtravelawards.com