Winners announced: National Geographic Traveller Reader Awards 2016, in association with Qatar Tourism Authority

Michael Palin, British Airways and New York were among the winners announced at the National Geographic Traveller Reader Awards 2016, in association with Qatar Tourism Authority.

Celebrity chef and TV presenter Kiran Jethwa hosted the awards ceremony at Le Méridien Piccadilly in London on 29 November, which was attended by some of the travel industry’s top executives and senior figures.

Pat Riddell, editor of National Geographic Traveller (UK), said, “A huge congratulations to all the winners and finalists, and a huge thanks to all those who took part. Our readers are a knowledgeable, sophisticated, well-travelled bunch who don’t need much prodding to air their views — so it’s very satisfying to reward their favourite destinations, attractions and companies.

“And, of course, a very special mention goes to Michael Palin, who received our Outstanding Contribution to Travel Award this year. As far as we’re concerned, he’s nothing short of a national treasure, on account of his hugely significant and influential career to date.”

The 2016 awards saw an additional five categories added, with winners selected by a record 7,957 readers — up nearly 2,000 from last year — who voted for their favourite tour operator, blog, destination, and more. The winners will be featured in an eight-page spread in the Jan/Feb 2017 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK).

Voters were automatically entered into a prize draw. Holiday prizes included a seven-night cruise of northern Iceland on board a new, boutique 17-cabin yacht with Variety Cruises; and a seven-night ski trip to Austria, courtesy of VIP SKI. An Apple iPad mini 2, two Amazon Kindles and 20 National Geographic Traveller (UK) subscriptions were also up for grabs.

2016 READER AWARDS WINNERS

SHORT-HAUL COUNTRY
Italy

LONG-HAUL COUNTRY
USA

SHORT-HAUL CITY
Barcelona

LONG-HAUL CITY
New York

SHORT-HAUL AIRLINE
British Airways

LONG-HAUL AIRLINE
British Airways

OVERSEAS HOTEL GROUP
Hilton Hotels & Resorts

UK HOTEL GROUP
Premier Inn

TOUR OPERATOR
Kuoni

FAMILY TRAVEL COMPANY
Thomas Cook

RAIL JOURNEY
Rocky Mountaineer, Canada

CRUISE LINE
P&O Cruises

OVERSEAS ATTRACTION
Grand Canyon, USA

UK ATTRACTION
Eden Project

NEW CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
Lincoln Castle (renovation), UK

NEW GREEN INITIATIVE
Wilderness Safaris – Rhino Conservation Project

TRAVEL BLOG
Budget Traveller

TRAVEL BOOK
The Road to Little Dribbling, by Bill Bryson

TRAVEL TV PROGRAMME
Great Barrier Reef with David Attenborough (BBC)

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO TRAVEL
Michael Palin

For more information and additional pictures of the evening, please visit natgeotraveller.co.uk/readerawards
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Sponsors of the National Geographic Traveller Reader Awards 2016

HEADLINE SPONSOR

Qatar Tourism Authority
Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) works with stakeholders to promote the development of a sustainable and mature tourism sector, positioning the country as a leading tourism destination. visitqatar.qa

CATEGORY SPONSORS

Crystal Cruises
Crystal Cruises is the world’s most-awarded luxury cruise line, having earned more ‘world’s best’ accolades than any other cruise line, hotel, or resort in history. crystalcruises.co.uk

Barrhead Travel
Established in 1975, Barrhead Travel specialises in all types of travel, from far-flung worldwide adventures and cruises to city escapes and summer-sun getaways. barrheadtravel.co.uk

CEWE PHOTOBOOK
Bring your best holiday photographs and happiest travel moments to life in a beautiful CEWE PHOTOBOOK and create a personalised keepsake you’ll always treasure. cewe-photoworld.com/photo-books

Swhype
Creative motion agency Swhype is an expert in social video and film content for global brands and businesses. swhype.com

LIVE365
Members of LIVE365 have a choice of exclusive, quality products, available at the best price possible with the chance to earn ‘savings credits’ — all with friendly, personalised service. live-365.global/en

Majestic Wines
Majestic is the UK’s largest wine specialist, with over 200 stores across the country. Its stores offer over 800 wines from around the world, a vast range of craft beers and spirits, and free tastings every day. There’s a ‘replace or refund’ guarantee and no minimum purchase limit. majestic.co.uk

NOTES

National Geographic Traveller (UK)

is published under license by APL Media Limited, from National Geographic Partners LLC in Washington, D.C. It was launched in December 2010, and is one of 16 local-language editions. The magazine is also available in Australia, China, Czech Republic, France, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Germany, Hungary, Latin America, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Russia and Spain. The 180-page travel and lifestyle magazine is packed full of you-are-there photography, authentic travel experiences and inspiring narratives. natgeotraveller.co.uk

About National Geographic Travel (USA)
National Geographic Travel creates authentic, meaningful and engaging travel experiences through National Geographic Traveler magazine; National Geographic Expeditions; National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World; digital travel content; travel books; maps; and travel photography programmes. National Geographic Traveler (six issues per year) has 16 international editions. National Geographic Expeditions, the travel programme of the Society, offers a variety of unique travel experiences led by top experts to more than 80 destinations across all seven continents. National Geographic Travel books bring readers curated travel advice, photography and insider tips. nationalgeographic.com/travel

About National Geographic Partners LLC
National Geographic Partners LLC, a joint venture between National Geographic Society and 21st Century Fox, combines National Geographic television channels with National Geographic’s media and consumer-oriented assets, including National Geographic magazines; National Geographic Studios; related digital and social media platforms; books; maps; children’s media; and ancillary activities that include travel, location-based entertainment, archival sales, catalog, licensing and e-commerce businesses. A portion of the proceeds from National Geographic Partners LLC will be used to fund science, exploration, conservation and education through significant ongoing contributions to the work of the National Geographic Society. nationalgeographic.com

CONTACT

For editorial enquiries:
Tel: +44 (0)20 7253 9906
editorial@natgeotraveller.co.uk

Tamsin Wressell, Editor
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7253 9906
tamsin.wressell@aplmedia.co.uk

Maria Pieri, Editorial Director
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7253 9906
maria.pieri@natgeotraveller.co.uk

Matthew Jackson, Managing Director
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7253 9009
matthew.jackson@natgeotraveller.co.uk

Anthony Leyens, CEO
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7253 9009
anthony.leyens@natgeotraveller.co.uk