The Isle of Wight was named Best UK Destination of the Year at an awards ceremony last night (04 October 2023).

The Group Leisure & Travel Awards, now in it’s 27th year, is organised by Group Leisure & Travel magazine, for organisers of group trips and holidays.

Hosed by America’s Got Talent winner, ventriloquist Paul Zerdin, guests from all corners of the group travel sector came together to celebrate the winners at the DoubleTree by Hilton at Stadium MK, Milton Keynes.

Facing tough competition from destinations such as London, Staffordshire, Wiltshire and York, the Isle of Wight was voted Best UK Destination of the Year by those responsible for planning successful holidays, the group travel organisers.

Amy Summers, Sustainable Travel, Trade and Exhibitions Manager was at the awards ceremony:

‘It was an honour to collect the award at the Group Leisure and Travel awards ceremony on behalf of the Isle of Wight. My thanks to everyone who voted for us.

‘Over the past year we have refreshed our group guide, added new itineraries, built relationships within the groups industry, and showcased the Island as the place for group travel.

‘This award recognises the Island’s commitment to group travel and my congratulations to all businesses on the Island who provide an outstanding service to groups, and a special mention to the exhibition partnership members who support the shared vision in promoting the Island.’

The Island celebrated other successes as Warner Leisure Hotels, with locations at Bembridge Coast and Norton Grange, was awarded Best Accommodation for Groups. HF Holidays, with a property at Freshwater Bay, was named Best Group Tour Operator.

Will Myles, MD at Visit Isle of Wight added:

‘To be nominated for this award is an incredible achievement, but to go on and win as the result of a vote from group travel organisers is a shining testament to businesses and their staff on the Isle of Wight, who prove time and again that the Island really is the best destination.

‘Congratulations to Warners Leisure Hotels and HF Holidays on their awards, it shows that the Island really does have the best of the best!

‘Thank you to those businesses who make the Island such a popular destination, thank you to those group travel organisers who voted for the Isle of Wight and thank you to Group Leisure and Travel magazine for putting together these awards, celebrating the best in group travel across the UK.’