LONDON (27 November 2017) — Rick Stein, Belfast and Emirates were among the winners announced at the National Geographic Traveller Reader Awards 2017, in association with Qatar Tourism Authority. The awards ceremony at The May Fair Hotel in London on 27 November was attended by some of the travel industry’s top executives and senior figures.

Pat Riddell, editor of National Geographic Traveller (UK), said: “We had an incredible response from our readers and their opinions have been as discerning and insightful as ever — sharing their tried and tested favourites with us so we can honour the very best in travel.

“With the new categories this year, we hope we’ve gone some way to reflect the extraordinary achievements and effort across the industry. A huge congratulations to all the winners and to Rick Stein in particular, who’s inspired millions with his inimitable food-inspired travels over the years.”

The 2017 awards has seen categories revamped to cover a broader range of experiences, and to reflect what’s new in the travel industry. Readers voted for their favourite destination, airline, tour operator and more. The winners will be featured in an eight-page spread in the Jan/Feb 2018 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK), on newsstands 7 December 2017.

Voters were automatically entered into a prize draw. Holiday prizes included an eight-night walking holiday for two in the Pyrenees with Voyages-sncf.com, Toulouse Tourist Office and Purely Pyrenees; and a four-night spa trip to Domaine La Butte aux Bois, Belgium, courtesy of Relais & Châteaux and Niche Destinations. An Amazon Echo, two Amazon Kindles and 20 National Geographic Traveller (UK) subscriptions were also up for grabs.

2017 READER AWARDS WINNERS

RISING STAR (CITY/REGION): Belfast
RETURN TICKET (COUNTRY): Italy
NEW NATIONAL TREASURE (UK ATTRACTION): National Museum of Scotland
FAR & AWAY (OVERSEAS ATTRACTION): Lost City of Kuelap, Peru
LANDMARK LEGEND (FAMOUS ATTRACTION): Taj Mahal, India
ONE FOR THE KIDS (FAMILY EXPERIENCE): Walt Disney Parks and Resorts
RIGHT TRACK (RAIL): Eurostar’s new E320 fleet
THE EXPERIENCE (TRAVEL EXPERIENCE): South African safari
ACROSS THE WAVES (CRUISE & FERRY): MS Harmony of the Seas, Royal Caribbean
DOMESTIC BLISS (UK HOTEL): Gleneagles Hotel, Perth and Kinross
THE DESTINATION HOTEL (OVERSEAS HOTEL): Raffles Singapore
TRAVEL EXPERTS (TRAVEL COMPANY): Trailfinders
HIGH CLASS (AIRLINE EXPERIENCE): Emirates
TRUE CLASS (AIRLINE VALUE): EasyJet
GREEN LIGHT (ECO TRAVEL): The Ocean Cleanup
THE ORACLE (WEBSITE): TripAdvisor
BOOK WORM (BOOK): The Best American Travel Writing, edited by Bill Bryson (Mariner Books)
SCREEN & SOUND (TV & RADIO): Joanna Lumley’s Postcards (ITV)
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO TRAVEL: Rick Stein

For more information, please visit natgeotraveller.co.uk/readerawards

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SPONSORS

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. qatartourism.gov.qa

SPONSORS

Costa Rica Tourism Board
visitcostarica.com

Sri Lanka Bespoke
srilanka-bespoke.com

 

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NOTES

National Geographic Traveller (UK) is published under license by APL Media Limited, from National Geographic Partners LLC in Washington, D.C. The 180-page travel and lifestyle magazine was launched in December 2010, and is packed full of you-are-there photography, authentic travel experiences and inspiring narratives. natgeotraveller.co.uk

National Geographic Partners LLC (NGP) is a joint venture between National Geographic and 21st Century Fox, is committed to bringing the world premium science, adventure and exploration content across an unrivaled portfolio of media assets. NGP combines the global 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, global experiences and events, archival sales, licensing and e-commerce businesses. NGP returns 27 percent of its proceeds to the nonprofit National Geographic Society to fund work in the areas of science, exploration, conservation and education. nationalgeographic.com

National Geographic Society is a leading nonprofit that invests in bold people and transformative ideas in the fields of exploration, scientific research, storytelling and education. They support educators to ensure that the next generation is armed with geographic knowledge and global understanding. National Geographic Society aspires to create a community of change, advancing key insights about the planet and probing some of the most pressing scientific questions of our time. Their goal is measurable impact: furthering exploration and educating people around the world to inspire solutions for the greater good. nationalgeographic.org

 

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