Travel Gossip hosted its fourth Travel Celebration on Wednesday evening at a gala dinner in central London, where it presented its annual awards to agents’ favourite suppliers and destinations.
Gold Medal won three trophies: Agents’ Favourite Long-Haul Tour Operator; Agents’ Favourite Trade Sales Team; and Agents’ Favourite Luxury Tour Operator for its brand, Pure Luxury.
“It means the world to us to win these awards,” said Karen Fletcher, Trade Partnership Director of Gold Medal parent dnata B2B. “These awards are voted for by our customers so they are so, so important to win and we never take them for granted.”
She added: “This win isn’t just a win for the sales team, it’s a win for everybody else in the business, it’s a whole team award.”
It was a double celebration at the Travel Celebration for Celebrity Cruises, Greece and Wendy Wu Tours, who all won two awards on the night, while Newmarket Holidays’ Wayne Szczambura was named this year’s Travel Gossip Legend.
Wayne said: “This is emotional. It’s the fourth year I’ve been nominated. I absolutely love my job, I work my socks off and I’m always there for the travel agents. I’d do anything for them.
“Just to be nominated among the other brilliant people on the list is amazing, but to win is fantastic.
“The Travel Celebration and Travel Gossip Awards is always such a great night and I’m absolutely thrilled to be named Travel Gossip Legend 2026.”
The awards, which are voted for by travel agents, were presented by magician and TV presenter Ben Hanlin at one of London’s newest event venues, Vision Hall, in the iconic former Camden Town Hall in King’s Cross.
Some 370 guests attended the event, where the after-party entertainment was provided by DJ Bradley from S Club 7.
In his opening address at The Travel Celebration, Travel Gossip CEO Bruce Martin paid tribute to the industry for its dedication to customer care over the past three weeks of the Iran war.
He said: “In the last few weeks, one thing has become very clear. This industry is built on expertise, resilience and genuine care for customers.
“We have seen travel agents going above and beyond. Supporting clients through disruption. Reassuring people when plans have fallen apart. And showing exactly why this profession matters so much.
“So before we go any further tonight, I want to say this clearly. To every travel agent, homeworker, tour operator, supplier and support team in this room, thank you. Thank you for showing up when your customers needed you most.
“You deserve a huge round of applause.”
Travel Gossip Managing Director Anwar Sohawon said: “We are delighted to give agents the opportunity to reward their favourite suppliers and destinations at The Travel Celebration, which has become a must-attend event every year. Congratulations to all the winners!”
You can see the full list of winners here.
