BETA is delighted to announce the winners in each category at the British Youth Travel Awards 2009.
With a record number of submissions received this year, our short listing judges had a tough task to whittle down the entries, and we would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all of those that took part this year.
The BYTA's provides us with a platform for us to celebrate and reward our high achievers, gain recognition, and raise the profile of the work and individual successes of organisations engaged in youth, student and educational travel, to from and within the UK.
For the full press release click here
Best website: worldnomads.com
"It's a great achievement for World Nomads to have had the quality and content of our website recognised as being worthy nominee for this prestigious award. World Nomads is 100% online, making our website our #1 tool and portal for all our customers and partnerships around the world. World Nomads aim to deliver quality and innovation in our services providing valuable services to our clients.
"To have it endorsed by our industry means a great deal to our entire team." Nick Pound, Director of partnerships, The World Nomads Group
Best Youth Product: Generator Hostels
"Winning these awards marks the culmination of an exciting year for Generator Hostels. Not only has our London hostel recently taken two travel awards but we've also undergone a multimillion pound refurbishment and seen visitor numbers increase for the 14th year in a row. Alison Armitage, Generator Hostels
Most Innovative Marketing: TopDeck Travel
"Being nominated was a great thrill for all of us here. For many years, Topdeck was considered the "underdog" in the European youth group travel market and this award shows how far we have come. It culminates our most successful year ever and is very humbling. It is a great tribute to all the hard work the Topdeck staff - from road crew to operations to sales to marketing to reservations and management - have put in this year. Jim Zabrano, TopDeck
Most Promising Young Marketer: Alison Armitage, Generator Hostels
"Winning these awards marks the culmination of an exciting year for Generator Hostels.
Best UK Youth Destination: London
"We are thrilled that London has won the Best UK Youth Destination at this year's BETA Awards. The capital offers everything for student travel including a huge range of budget accommodation, world culture and incredible nightlife as well as unique events that you can only experience in London. The city is always evolving and leading the world with innovative concepts and ideas which keep London on the wish-list for all youth travellers both in the UK and overseas - be it for work study or play." Sally Chatterjee, Interim CEO, Visit London
Outstanding Contribution Award: Susan Goldstein
"After years of the greatest job in the world, there is life after WYSTC - and it's I the youth travel industry where all of you are!"
Best International Youth Destination: France
"We are very proud to receive this award which marks for us a year rich in events dedicated to young travellers. France has always been a popular destination for young people and in such a competitive market, it is a great achievement for all professionals whose main goal is to provide the best services and original ideas that make a trip to France an unforgettable experience. Thank you for this fantastic mark of recognition." Anne Laure Tuncer, Deputy director, Atout France UK
Green Tourism Award: Gapforce
"Making a positive impact on your world, as well as your career, is what Gapforce offers the youth of today. We are very happy that this ethos has been recognised by BETA and thank everyone who voted for Gapforce and who continue to support us."
-----------------------------------------------------------
If you have any queries or require further information, please contact the BETA Secretariat on +44 (0) 20 8669 1444 or via email events@betauk.com