THEY are the companies you trust the most with your precious holidays.
The 2024 Sun Travel Awards saw you voting in your tens of thousands for the travel providers you love to head away with, both home and abroad.
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And last week, The Sun’s Head of Travel Lisa Minot presented the very special accolades to the winners at an awards lunch at our London HQ hosted by the TV and radio presenter Alexis Conran.
Here’s who won your vote.
BEST AIRLINE – EMIRATES
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PICKING up the award for the second year running, Emirates is obviously a hit with Sun readers for its extensive network that carries you across the globe.
The airline’s generous seat sizes and baggage allowances in economy are probably why — as well as comprehensive in-flight entertainment and warm hospitality.
Second place went to the original flag carrier, British Airways, with airline and tour op giant Jet2 in third.
BEST SHORT-HAUL OPERATOR – JET2 HOLIDAYS
THE northern airline that has transformed itself into the UK’s largest tour operator has won the award for the second year in a row.
Its huge network of regional holidays and commitment to customer service is obviously a hit with Sun readers.
Second came its arch-rival, Tui, closely followed by new kid on the block easyJet Holidays — popular with you for its generous luggage allowances and huge network of city and beach destinations.
BEST LONG-HAUL OPERATOR – VIRGIN HOLIDAYS
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THIS year celebrating 40 years flying, Virgin Holidays continues to be the go-to tour operator for us when we’re heading across the pond to places including Orlando, Miami, New York and Las Vegas.
And its new Maldives flights are proving as popular — along with packages to the Far East, Mauritius and the Caribbean.
Second was Tui with its reasonably priced offerings to Florida and Thailand. British Airways Holidays took third place.
BEST IN CRUISE – ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL
IT took delivery of the world’s largest ever cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, this year and Royal Caribbean remains hugely popular with Sun readers for its incredible family-friendly offering.
Coming in second was the British cruise experts P&O Cruises and third was all-inclusive favourite Marella Cruises.
BEST OF BRITISH – NATIONAL TRUST
THIS new award for 2024 sought to celebrate the people, places and British institutions at the very heart of your staycations.
And the top award went to the National Trust.
The charitable organisation is dedicated to preserving and protecting the historic places and natural spaces we enjoy on every day out, weekend away or summer holiday. Established in 1895, it manages more than 500 heritage properties, playing a crucial role in conservation and ensuring they are accessible for future generations.
In second place came our go-to for a bargain pint and decent fry-up, pub giant Wetherspoons. And in third, Premier Inn, popular for its reliable, value rooms and oh-so-comfy beds.
BEST SHORT-HAUL DESTINATION – SPAIN
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WITH its stunning coastlines and guaranteed sunshine, it’s no surprise that Spain took the top spot in this category.
We love our traditional favourite and are exploring beyond the norm more than ever before.
But closely snapping at its heels was Greece, with Italy in third place.
BEST LONG-HAUL DESTINATION – CARIBBEAN
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IT’S clear Sun readers love a totally tropical escape and when it comes to heading further for our holidays, the Caribbean’s intoxicating mix of culture and relaxation has helped it take the top slot.
Second is the USA, with tempting Thailand coming third.
MOST TRUSTED TRAVEL COMPANY – TUI
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THIS award is important for Sun Travel readers — they want to know they are spending their precious holiday pounds with a company that will look after them, provide support when things go wrong and strive to treat their customers fairly.
It’s always a closely fought race and there was very little between our top three. Tui triumphed, with last year’s winner Jet2 second and British Airways Holidays third.
BEST UK HOLIDAY PROVIDER – HAVEN
WITH their good-value breaks and fabulous facilities, Haven grabbed the top slot — the self-catering giant even welcomed the first-ever Wetherspoons at a holiday park this year.
In second place came Hoseasons, and in third, Park Resorts.
BEST UK ATTRACTION – ALTON TOWERS
WE couldn’t get enough of the revamped classic, Nemesis Reborn at this year’s winner, Alton Towers. The natural wonders of Cornish gem The Eden Project won you over to bag second place, with Legoland Windsor third.
BEST GLOBAL ATTRACTION – WALT DISNEY WORLD, FLORIDA
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WALT Disney World Resort in Orlando claimed victory — and this year announced even more plans to expand its Florida empire with new lands coming in the next few years.
In second place it’s Universal Orlando Resort, which is looking forward to the opening of a new park, Epic Universe, in 2025.
And in third place came French favourite, Disneyland Paris.
EDITOR’S CHOICE AWARD – MERLIN ENTERTAINMENT
TODAY, across the UK, in some very special places you will hear screams of delight and gasps of wonder.
Young and old will be learning about our nation’s history, amazing wildlife and nature, and scaring themselves silly on adrenaline-charged rides.
They will be escaping the everyday and indulging in some unadulterated fun.
My Editor’s Choice award this year went to Merlin Entertainment. Its roster of theme parks and attractions create unforgettable memories for millions every year.
Through our SuperDays promotions we know just how popular a visit to our greatest attractions are – from the thrills of Alton Towers and Thorpe Park to the wonders of SeaLife and Legoland.
Merlin continues to innovate across its stable. This year has seen the much-anticipated launch of Nemesis Reborn at Alton Towers and the terrifying Hyperia at Thorpe Park.
Turning a day out into a minibreak has become easier with Woodland Village at Legoland Windsor and Warwick Castle hotel.
They deserve recognition for never resting on their laurels and finding ever more wonderful ways to entertain.